New York City's Andrea Pirlo: I turned down Inter Milan move last season

New York City FC midfielder Andrea Pirlo has confirmed the rumours that Inter Milan tried to sign him last season, telling Sky Sport Italia that he preferred to stay in Major League Soccer rather than return to Serie A.

Pirlo, 37, was sounded out by former club Inter last winter, but he turned down the opportunity to rejoin after only six months in New York.

"I didn't speak with [then Inter coach Roberto] Mancini, but Inter's management did make enquiries," he said. "But I decided to stay at New York City, also because I had made this decision and turning back didn't seem right."

Pirlo continues to follow Italian football from the United States and says he is particularly impressed by the form of another of his ex-clubs, Juventus.

"Italian football seen from the outside is not all that ugly," he said. "Even if Serie A now seems to have become like the French league, with Juventus in a league of their own -- the Bianconeri are like Paris Saint-Germain."

Pirlo also said he hopes his former Juve boss Antonio Conte is a success at Chelsea, even if it was effectively him who ended his career with the Italy national team.

Pirlo had left the door open to playing for his country at Euro 2016, but Conte chose to leave him out of his final squad for the tournament.

"I can see Conte doing really well," Pirlo said. "I'm glad he's made such a good start and I'm sure he'll have a great season. He's got passion, determination and he teaches football. He's got everything it takes to be the best."