With all the talk over the last month and a half over AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo’s alleged move to Chelsea to re-unite with Carlo Ancelotti, the 30 year old Italian International has opened up about why he chose against a move to Stamford Bridge.

Via Guardian

“Ancelotti didn’t take it so well,” Pirlo told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I spoke to him and he understood. I told him [the Milan manager] Leonardo had dug his heels in and this is a source of pride for me.”

Milan’s owner, Silvio Berlusconi, turned down Chelsea’s offer for Pirlo this week, saying the 30-year-old would remain at the club for the remainder of his career. The coach, Leonardo, too, was determined to keep the midfielder after the departure of Kaká, the team’s other creative force, to Real Madrid.

“If I thought Milan’s aim was a good place in the standings I’d be at Chelsea now,” Pirlo said. “I want to win. That’s not just words. I’m convinced this is possible. You’ll see what the historic group can do. We’ll make everyone rethink and eat lots of criticism.”

Pirlo was also confident his side would deal with the loss of Kaká and the retired captain Paolo Maldini. “Obviously the absence of Kaká and Maldini will be felt, but each one of us will give a bit more,” he said. “Their goodbyes closed a chapter, now it’s time to write another and I’m happy to be here to try.”

Image via Wikimedia