Pirlo grateful to Juve for reviving career

Andrea Pirlo feels that his career might not be where it is if not for Juventus' intervention.

Pirlo joined Juventus after being released on a free transfer two years ago by AC Milan and has since won two Serie A titles with the Bianconeri. His steady performances at the heart of Juve's midfield earned him a call-up to Italy for the Euro 2012, where he played a starring role as the Azzurri surprised the neutrals by reaching the final of the tournament.

The 34-year-old credited Juventus for the success at this stage of his career.

"Joining Juventus was the right thing for everyone involved," he told Corriere de Bahia while in Brazil with the national side.

"I feel rejuvenated in Bianconero. I'm part of a great squad of players that has won and will continue to win.

"Without that move then I may not have even been here with the national side."

Pirlo, who could win his 100th cap for his country this weekend at the Confederations Cup, is focused on making the most out of the competition in view of the World Cup next season.

"We deserve to be here, we are four-time world champions," he said of the Euro 2012 runners-up.
"It'll be a great feeling to play at the Maracana and we want to impress.

"And then I want to come back here next year for my third and final World Cup tournament.