Andrea Pirlo: New York City sign Juventus midfielder

Pirlo attended last month's New York City derby match against New York Red Bulls

Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has joined Major League Soccer side New York City on a free transfer.

The 36-year-old won six Serie A titles with AC Milan and Juventus, two Champions Leagues with Milan and the World Cup with Italy in 2006.

Juve have agreed to end his contract a year early so he can move to the US on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

His new team-mates in New York include ex-Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard and Spain striker David Villa.

"What a signing! Welcome to the club Andrea Pirlo!" wrote Lampard on Facebook.

Pirlo will officially move on 21 July, meaning he will not make his debut alongside Lampard in Sunday's league game against Toronto FC at Yankee Stadium.

"I had several opportunities to play outside of Italy, but I never had a doubt in picking New York," Pirlo said.

The Italian started his career with Brescia and played for Inter Milan before joining their city rivals AC Milan in 2001.

After a decade at the club he moved on a free transfer to Juventus. There he scored 19 goals, including 15 free-kicks, in 164 games, winning the Serie A title in each of his four seasons.

He has won 115 caps for Italy, scoring 13 goals.