AC Milan's Pirlo: I rejected Real Madrid

AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo has revealed he turned down Real Madrid before committing to a new deal through to 2011.

"Real Madrid has tried for me," said the Italy international. "On the one hand there was an offer to join a new club, on the other was Milan."

"During as difficult a moment as that this summer, my will always has been to remain here. I will now have the possibility to close my career here."