Andrea Pirlo says he plans to retire from football at the end of this season, when his contract with New York City expires in December.
The 38-year-old, who has struggled with fitness following a knee injury, has played just 15 of NYC's 32 fixtures this season, and he admits that it's no longer possible to continue playing at this level.
"You realise yourself that the time has come," he said in an interview with Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Each day, you have physical problems and you can't train as you would like to because there's always some niggle. At my age, it's fine to say enough is enough. You don't have to carry on until you are 50. I'll do something else."
It has been speculated that Pirlo could make the move into coaching, and has been linked with a move to Chelsea as Antonio Conte's assistant. But the 2006 World Cup winner insists he is undecided about his future.
"Assistant of (Antonio) Conte? If that's what people are saying. I have my ideas, but I will allow myself time to decide.
"Am I thinking of coaching? Just because you were a good player doesn't automatically mean you can do it. You need to be willing to do it and prove yourself in the field. That spark within you needs to ignite, and it's not ignited within me yet.
"There's not one right and one wrong way. It depends on the opportunities you are given. If they call you immediately to [coach] a first team, it's hard to refuse. Like I say, I don't have that intention right now.
"After 25 years of football, I'm going to stay at home with my family. I'll keep myself in form playing golf and tennis."
Pirlo enjoyed successful stints at both Inter Milan and AC Milan during his storied career. He won four consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus as well as representing the club in the 2015 Champions League final.
