Pirlo sent the Yorkshire Pirlo a nice message
Kalvin Phillips has revealed that Andrea Pirlo sent him a ‘good luck’ message prior to England’s Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.
The Leeds midfielder has been dubbed the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ in recent years, with people comparing his style of play to that of the former Juventus man.
In August, Pirlo – who is a World Cup and Champions League winner – told The Athletic: “In England, there’s never been this kind of player. There have been great midfielders over the years with different skills – there’s the boy at Leeds (Phillips), who’s a bit of a regista (playmaker).”
After missing the October internationals through injury, the 25-year-old returned to the England side for Friday’s 5-0 win over Albania.
Phillips also started all of the Three Lions’ games in Euro 2020, including the penalty shoot-out loss against Italy in the final at Wembley.
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Speaking about the final, the midfielder revealed that he received a nice message from Pirlo prior to the match.
“It’s always nice to get the recognition of some unbelievable players,” Phillips said, as per Sky Sports.
“The night before the final Jack Harrison, who used to play at New York City with him, sent me a video of Pirlo.
“It was a video to me saying ‘good luck in the final and he wishes me all the best’ so that was very nice.
“It was a very nice feeling and obviously I thought it was going to say something about Italy but, no, he wished me well – full respect for that.
“I just got the video and I was like ‘oh my God’. I’ve never met him, I’d like to meet him to be honest. I’ve seen that is a very cool guy, but I’ve heard he’s a nice guy as well.
“To have someone on the other side, on the other team, wish you well and especially a player like that, it is always a great feeling.”
Pirlo – who lifted the 2006 World Cup with Italy – is a two-time Champions League winners, having also won Serie A on six occasions.
England need a draw against minnows San Marino on Monday to secure their place at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, with Phillips likely to feature in the Three Lions’ final Group I qualifier.
Related links:
- Gareth Southgate set to sign two-year contract extension as England manager
- England fan jailed over racist rant following Euro 2020 final defeat
- England receive stadium ban from UEFA following Euro 2020 final debacle
