Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo has joined the Sky Sports punditry team in Italy ahead of the new football season.

The 2006 World Cup winner will provide expert analysis on the Italian Serie A alongside a star-studded panel including Esteban Cambiasso, Gianluca Vialli, Fabio Capello and Alessandro Del Piero.

Former Juventus and AC Milan player Pirlo retired from football last year after spending three seasons with Major League Soccer (MLS) side New York City.

While speaking with Gazetta dello Sport at the time of his retirement, Pirlo said: “You realise yourself that the time has come. Each day, you have physical problems and you can’t train as you would like to because there’s always some niggle. At my age, it’s fine to say enough is enough. You don’t have to carry on until you are 50. I’ll do something else.”

“I don’t know what yet. I will return to Italy in December. Assistant of [Antonio] Conte? If that’s what people are saying. I have my ideas, but I will allow myself time to decide.

“Am I thinking of coaching? Just because you were a good player doesn’t automatically mean you can do it. You need to be willing to do it and prove yourself in the field. That spark within you needs to ignite, and it’s not ignited within me yet.

“There’s not one right and one wrong way. It depends on the opportunities you are given. If they call you immediately to [coach] a first team, it’s hard to refuse.

“Like I say, I don’t have that intention right now. After 25 years of football, I’m going to stay at home with my family. I’ll keep myself in form playing golf and tennis.” The 39-year-old concluded.