Pirlo swaps Milan for Juventus

Andrea Pirlo has left AC Milan after ten successful years to join Juventus on a free transfer.

The midfielder, who was out of contract at San Siro this summer, has signed a three-year deal with the Turin club, whose seventh-place finish in Serie A means they will not play European football next season. "I've spent ten wonderful years here, it's been a fantastic adventure with Milan," said the 32-year-old. "I want to thank everybody, including the club and the supporters. It's impossible to forget ten years like the ones I have had here."

Pirlo won the Scudetto and UEFA Champions League on two occasions, as well as a number of other honours, with the Rossoneri following his switch from city rivals FC Internazionale Milano in 2001. The former Brescia Calcio man has struggled with injury this season, however, making just 12 starts as Milan claimed the title for the first time in seven years.

A FIFA World Cup winner in 2006, Pirlo has been called up by Italy coach Cesare Prandelli for the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier against Estonia on 3 June.

After singing Pirlo, Juventus further bolstered their defence by acquiring 25-year-old Swiss international Reto Ziegler, who will join the Bianconeri after his contract with newly-relegated UC Sampdoria expires in June. The left-back, who spent the last four seasons in Genoa after moving to Sampdoria in 2007, has signed a three-year contract with Juve after passing a medical.