Andrea Pirlo announces international retirement date

Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo has said that he will retire from international football after the 2014 World Cup.

The 33-year-old has made 97 appearances for the Azzurri, but has said that he will allow younger players to come into the team next year.

"In 2014 I will stop with the national team. I think the World Cup will be the last appointment with the blue shirt," said Pirlo.

"You have to leave room for the young.

"At club level I will continue on as long as I have passion and I feel important. Otherwise I'll be the first to get me out."

Pirlo made the announcement at the presentation of his autobiography I Think Therefore I Play.