Andrea Pirlo: 'I'll retire from Italy after World Cup'

Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo has admitted that he is likely to retire from international football after the upcoming World Cup, unless they desperately need him.

The Juventus player said that the time was right for him to allow younger players to break into the team, and that if he became only a squad player then the best decision would be to withdraw himself from selection.

"As I already said, I am still thinking of retiring after this World Cup, as I have a certain age and it's only right to leave the field to the next generation coming through," Sky Sports News quotes Pirlo as saying. "It would be pointless to continue.

"If I am needed, then there's no problem in coming back. If I come on international duty and don't play, then I'd get angry! It's perhaps better I stay home."

Italy begin their 2014 World Cup against England on Saturday night.