Report: Andrea Pirlo rejected Indian Super League move to play in MLS

Andrea Pirlo reportedly said no to a move to the Indian Super League

Italian World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo turned down an offer from an Indian Super League club according to The Times of India. It is looking likely that he will join Frank Lampard and David Villa at Major League Soccer (MLS) club, New York City FC.

Pirlo, who is considered as one of the best midfielders of his generation, still has a year to run on his contract with Juventus, but is looking for a move away from his native Italy. Reports indicate that he was open to playing in the ISL, but it was the salary cap of the league that changed Pirlo's mind. The ISL cap is set at approximately $3 million.

“He received offers from clubs from Middle East, Australia and USA who were willing to pay him a huge amount. Things would not have worked out financially in India,” a source close to the approach was quoted as saying.

“He was open to the idea of playing in the ISL but won't be coming because of the salary cap set by the league. The clubs in ISL won't be able to afford him here. He has not said anything officially, but he is most likely to go to America,” he added.

Pirlo has reportedly been offered a $6 million-a-year contract by the MLS team, which he is likely to accept. The 36-year-old would have definitely been the star attraction of this season’s ISL, having played in the Champions League final earlier this month.