World Cup: Andrea Pirlo ponders U-turn over international retirement
Thursday 26 June 2014 15:34, UK
Italy's veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo says he could reverse his decision to retire from international football.
The 35-year-old, who is the fifth most-capped player in his country's history, announced before the World Cup that he would call time on his career in national colours after the tournament in Brazil.
But following the Azzurri's disappointing group-stage exit, the Juventus playmaker admitted he could yet play on.
Speaking to reporters on the team's return to Milan on Thursday morning, Pirlo said: "If the new national coach thinks he needs me, I will happily remain available."
Boss Cesare Prandelli resigned immediately after the 1-0 defeat to Uruguay that sealed Italy's elimination at the first hurdle. Prandelli's side also lost to Costa Rica, having started promisingly with a 2-1 win over England.
Pirlo has scored 13 goals in 112 appearances and played a pivotal role in Italy's World Cup win in 2006.
