Andrea Pirlo: Carlo Ancelotti is like a father

The Serie A champions face the champions of Europe in the last four, with Turin playing host to the first leg on Tuesday.

Pirlo has spoken at length to AS about the fixture, discussing a number of topics in the interview, starting with what appeared to be emotional scenes as the Old Lady lifted the Scudetto with a win over Sampdoria.

“Crying? Not exactly. I was hit in the face in the celebration! It hurt,” Pirlo revealed.

“I was happy, yes. I hope to shake it off by the time we play Madrid.

“I remember the applause at Santiago Bernabeu. I hope next week it happens again. And that it’s not only me who is applauded, but the whole team.

“There’s the game and the return. It’s 180 minutes. The first game is vital and we must play with intelligence, prudence and boldness. We have a dream to realise, and nothing to lose, but we can’t get carried away with that.

“Ancelotti was like a father to me. We spent many years together. He helped me play my best football in a different position, deeper. He changed my role on the field. The times with him were indescribable.

“I hope [Ancelotti] doesn’t man-mark me. I hope to play with a bit of freedom, but I’m used to having one of the attackers take a defensive position.

“I was close to Madrid in 2006. Fabio Capello called me. Milan were having problems with calciopoli. It was almost done. Then everything was arranged and I renewed my contract.

“There’s no regret. That year, we won the Champions League. It was 50-50.

“Madrid is Madrid. There’s nothing more to say. They’re the most prestigious team in the world.”

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