GOAL

Sebastian Giovinco has revealed that former Juventus team-mate Andrea Pirlo recently contacted him to enquire about playing in MLS.

The Toronto star has acknowledged that his ex-team-mate has been in touch over the state of the game in the USA and is eagerly anticipating his arrival

Italy midfielder Pirlo is set to leave the Serie A champions for New York City FC and he got in touch with his compatriot first to find out what the game is like in the USA.

"He has sent me a message, but not from New York just now," Giovinco told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He asked me a while ago how I was and how things are here. I told him that playing in MLS is a great experience, something he should try.

"I don't think I was the one who convinced him to make the move, though. I am looking forward to playing against him.

"You cannot compare the level of play to that of the European leagues, but I am convinced that this can become an important league in the future. There is not as much quality and tactical discipline as in Europe, but the organisation is pretty well.

"They should change some rules to facililate the arrival of more players from abroad, like the salary cap.

"I have no regrets whatsoever that I left Juventus for Toronto."

Pirlo seems set to complete his move to New York in the coming days, joining former Barcelona and Spain star David Villa at the new franchise.