Pirlo: Legends including Buffon and Cafu's opinions of 'phenomenal' Italian star

Andrea Pirlo may have hung up his boots for good back in 2017, but the classy Italian maestro - who celebrates his 43rd birthday today - is still fondly remembered as one of the greatest players to ever grace the global stage.

Pirlo enjoyed a remarkable 22-year career and graced some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including AC Milan and Juventus. During his time in the game Pirlo pretty much won it all, including two Champions League crown's and the World Cup back in 2006.

The silky midfielder saw out his playing days in the MLS for New York City FC before he was lured back to the Allianz Arena for a stint in the dugout, adding another Serie A title to his glittering resume; only this time as Juve's head coach. Here, Mirror Football takes a look back at what some of his former colleagues have had to say about Pirlo's wizardry...

Gianluigi Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon was fortunate enough to play both alongside and under Pirlo at Juventus after his former team-mate was appointed as the club's head coach back in 2020. But it was Pirlo's unparalleled technical ability that stood for Buffon when he was asked to sum up his pal before they were reunited in Turin.

Speaking on the circumstances that saw Pirlo initially arrive at Juve as a player, Buffon said: "When he said he wanted to join Juve it seemed like an amazing stroke of luck for us. He was looking for a new challenge and also the chance to be a leader once again. And that's how it turned out.

"I don't think we could have found a player like him anywhere else in the world. Probably only Xavi matched his qualities, although he didn't have the same shooting skills as Andrea."

Xavi Hernandez

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If Xavi Hernandez is potentially the only player in the world who could hold a candle to Pirlo's technical wizardry, then it's worth nothing that the Barcelona legend once admitted that he was left "stupefied" by the midfield maestro and would often tune into Juventus games on TV just to bask in Pirlo's genius.

Back when the duo were still playing, Xavi admitted: "When I watch Pirlo play, I have to admit that it's a wonder to behold. I remain stupefied by him and I often watch Juventus games on TV only to admire him."

Not bad praise from the midfield genius who has also made the transition into the dugout since hanging up his boots. Like Pirlo, Xavi returned to a club close to his heart after Barcelona came calling late last year.

Frank Lampard

When it comes to English midfielders, Frank Lampard is right up there. The England and Chelsea icon was fortunate enough to share the pitch with Pirlo when the two crossed paths at New York FC. Lampard admitted that he had studied the legend before playing with him; unsurprisingly, Pirlo lived up to Lampard's expectations.

Lampard said: "I've always followed Pirlo, we studied him in England and I was lucky to have shared a part of my career with him. He is pure class on and off the pitch. A true gentleman.

"He's a great player. I knew he was a great player from playing against him. His passing and awareness are second to none. He'll receive the ball anywhere and it's great to play alongside someone like that. The weight of his pass, his through balls and confidence on the ball are superb."

Patrick Vieira

Patrick Vieira is one of the finest central midfielders to grace the Premier League after his trophy-laden stint at Arsenal. Now in charge at Crystal Palace, Vieira had the privilege of working with Pirlo in the twilight of his career in New York - and he insisted that the Italian master had taken the No.6 role to a whole new level.

Vieira said: "He's one of the best holding midfielders ever - he changed the position of the No.6. Before, the No.6 role was just tackling and winning the ball, but now you have to be a playmaker, you have to be as good as your No.10 with the ball.

"He improved that position with the quality he has on the ball and the way his brain works on the field. I also believe he's impacted the game - a lot of young players now want to play that No.6 position. Before, everyone wanted to be a No.9 or a No.10, but Andrea has helped to create more young players who want to play that position. Andrea is one of the greatest holding midfielders of all time. He had a fantastic career, not just on the field, but off it because he's a true gentleman."

Cafu

Although Pirlo enjoyed a fruitful spell with Juventus, he spent over a decade with their rivals, AC Milan. During his time at Milan, Pirlo plied his trade alongside the legendary Cafu. But the Brazilian right-back was quick to laud his former team-mate after his playing days were over - and even dubbed Pirlo "a phenomenon".

Cafu said: "His speed of thought, his positioning, he was always in space. He always had the ball at his feet and knew where it should be played. He always played the correct ball. He was outstanding.

"A phenomenon. Pirlo is phenomenal. A very intelligent player who has an amazing vision of the game. You could give him the ball and run off him and he would already know where you were without even looking. A very smart player."