Legend of the 2000s, Andrea Pirlo was one of football’s finest midfielders. After lifting the World Cup with Italy in 2006, winning two Champions League trophies with AC Milan and collecting six Serie A titles, he cemented his reputation as one of the greatest modern midfielders.

Renowned for his calmness under pressure, Pirlo built his legacy through a cultured playing style and an exceptional passing range. Supporters in England may remember him most for his unforgettable Panenka at Euro 2012, which beat Joe Hart and helped eliminate the Three Lions.

Despite delivering one of England’s most painful tournament moments, Pirlo still had enormous admiration for several opponents. In fact, he once labelled one English star a ‘complete footballer’.

Andrea Pirlo Respected Man United Legend Wayne Rooney
Italy’s Wayne Rooney (L) and Italy’s Andrea Pirlo during the penalty shootout
As quoted by the Daily Mail in 2012, Pirlo was asked to name his ‘favourite English player’. His answer was straightforward:

“Wayne Rooney. He’s the complete footballer.”

The Manchester United great played all 120 minutes against Pirlo in the Euro 2012 quarter-final. Rooney also converted England’s second penalty to briefly give the Three Lions the advantage before Pirlo responded with his famous chipped effort.

The audacity of that Panenka appeared to swing the momentum, with Ashley Young and Ashley Cole both missing England’s next two penalties.

Although Rooney never progressed beyond the quarter-finals with England at a major tournament, he enjoyed an outstanding club career.

His greatest successes came at Manchester United, where he became the Red Devils’ all-time top goalscorer, while also winning the Champions League and five Premier League crowns. Combining goals, creativity, relentless work rate and vision, Rooney is widely regarded as one of the ‘most complete’ footballers the game has produced.

A custom image of Xavi Hernandez, Andrea Pirlo and Paul Scholes
Pirlo Nearly Joined Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea
Andrea Pirlo AC Milan
While Pirlo clearly admired Rooney, he almost found himself lining up for one of Manchester United’s fiercest rivals. The Italian came close to joining Chelsea in 2009 after former AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti was appointed manager. Reflecting on the move in the same interview, Pirlo said:

“Actually, Milan wouldn’t let me go. I have a very strong connection with Ancelotti so I was in touch with him when he went to Chelsea and I’m still in touch with him now he’s at Paris Saint-Germain.

“I had already started negotiating with the people at Chelsea but then finally Milan didn’t let me go. That’s why I stayed.

“Certainly it would have been a different experience that I’d have liked, especially when I was 30 years old. So why not? But unfortunately it didn’t happen.”

He added: “I really enjoy English football. There are many top-quality teams, and the intensity they play with makes it exciting to watch.

“I don’t think adapting to that style would have been difficult because throughout my career I’ve played alongside many different types of players.”

One can only imagine how impressive Pirlo would have been as a Premier League midfielder.