Andrea Pirlo has officially joined MLS side New York City after 4 seasons at Juventus.

The announcement had seemed only a formality after Pirlo was pictured in New York last week while the NYCFC website uploaded a profile of the player before quickly removing it.

A statement on Juve’s official website confirmed the move today.

“Andrea Pirlo has ended his magnificent four-year stay at Juventus after officially completing a move to MLS outfit New York City,” the announcement read.

“The mercurial midfielder represents the beginning and, until now, the progression of a cycle which has seen the Bianconeri return to the top table of football in Italy and Europe.

“Pirlo is silent charisma, the steadying hand in the middle of the park, the dummy which undoes the opposition defence.

“He’s that unexpected ball that splits the game wide open, the lofted pass that brings a team to its knees.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to have shared these four fantastic seasons with Andrea, and all associated with Juventus Football Club with him the very best for the future.

Thanks for everything, Maestro, and good luck.”

Pirlo took to twitter to bid farewell to the club with a statement of his own.

“It’s difficult to turn these emotions into words,” Andrea posted on his official Twitter account.

“Especially since they involve four such important years in my life. I can only say a big ‘thank you’ to those who have accompanied and supported me on this adventure.

“The club, Juventus FC, from our President [Andrea Agnelli] to every single person who works there, to my teammates in many battles, through much laughter and a few tears, to the fans and all those who showed me affection even in the less beautiful moments.

“Thank you, from my heart, to all of you.

“It was not an easy decision, it’s time to start a new adventure, but that does not mean that I’ll ever forget the relationship I have with these colours.

“Fino alla fine [‘until the end’, the club’s motto], forza Juventus!”