Juventus success proves I am still number one, claims Pirlo

07/05/2012 9:40:00 AM

The Italy playmaker feels he has been fully vindicated in his decision to swap Milan for Turin last summer, after playing a pivotal role in the side's Serie A triumph this season

Andrea Pirlo has claimed that he has shown himself to be among the best players in the world following his contribution to Juventus' Scudetto success this season.

The midfielder did not have the best of campaigns last season, as despite being part of AC Milan's Serie A-winning squad in 2010-11, he struggled to make much of an impact under coach Massimiliano Allegri and experienced a dip in form for Italy as well.

However, his move to Juventus last summer proved to be vital tonic in his career, with Bianconeri coach Antonio Conte choosing to build his team around the 32-year-old, and Pirlo believes the switch has put him back in the same breath as other celebrated individuals.

"It's a title well deserved and one that we wanted from the beginning," Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia. "I think that we earned it on the pitch.

"I wanted to win and I did. I left Milan because I needed more motivation in my career, so I chose Juve and bought into their project.

"I believed I was number one and I believe I have demonstrated it again this season."

When quizzed on who would succeed him in his playmaking duties one day, Pirlo added: "I hope to continue playing for many more years because I am enjoying myself and I still really want [to win more trophies]."

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