Andrea Pirlo bids farewell to soccer

After 20 years of career, Andrea Pirlo played his last match with New York City in the MLS on Sunday and said goodbye to soccer.

The 'Maestro' is coming! #NYCvCLB | 2(3)-0(4) pic.twitter.com/lO0p7uBePb

- MLS Soccer (@MLS) November 6, 2017

Although the New York team won the match 2-0 against the Columbus Crew, it wasn't enough and they were eliminated from the MLS playoffs, as in the first leg La Pandilla had the advantage with a 4-1 win.

In October, the Italian footballer had announced that he would retire from soccer when his contract with New York City ended, as his physical problems were increasingly bothering him when playing and training.

Pirlo started his football career at Brescia Calcio, his home country, and then played for clubs like Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus. In 2015, the Italian decided to move to the MLS.

He won the World Cup with the Italian national team in the 2006 Germany World Cup.

Juventus posted a farewell message for Pirlo on their Twitter account: "Yesterday Andrea Pirlo played the last match of a fantastic career. It has been an honor to share part of the journey together. Thank you, Maestro."

- JuventusFC (@juventusfces) November 6, 2017

Yesterday Andrea Pirlo played the last match of a fantastic career. It has been an honor to share part of the journey together. Thank you, Maestro pic.twitter.com/XvuUOHrpHQ

- JuventusFC (@juventusfces) November 6, 2017

Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon did not stay behind and dedicated some emotional words to his former teammate and national team player: "Those who played with Andrea understood the meaning of the word 'unique'. He showed a combination of class, elegance and humility."

Those who played with Andrea understood the meaning of the word 'unique'. Champion who showed a combination of class, elegance and humility #Pirlo pic.twitter.com/PXNRbISuk0

- Gianluigi Buffon (@gianluigibuffon) November 6, 2017

Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas posted a farewell message for Andrea Pirlo on his Twitter account.

More than 20 years teaching soccer! Today, for those of us who are passionate about this sport, is a sad day! DON PIRLO! Good luck @Pirlo_official 🔝 pic.twitter.com/Dt0UyF6nB9

- Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) November 6, 2017

Andrea Pirlo published a farewell letter thanking the clubs he played for and the teammates he had.

"My adventure with New York comes to an end, but also my journey as a professional player. I am grateful to every club I have had the honor to play for and every teammate I have been happy to play with," he wrote.

pic.twitter.com/6TY539vB9z

- Andrea Pirlo (@Pirlo_official) November 6, 2017