Chelsea news: Andrea Pirlo’s retirement leads to Blues fans hinting the Italian will replace Michael Emenalo ~ New Soccer Bet ( Football Predictions)

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Chelsea news: Andrea Pirlo’s retirement leads to Blues fans hinting the Italian will replace Michael Emenalo

CHELSEA fans remain convinced that Italian legend Andrea Pirlo will join the club.

The 38-year-old has long been rumoured to coming to Stamford Bridge to join Antonio Conte’s staff.

Chelsea fans are convinced that Andrea Pirlo is about to join the clubGetty Images - Getty

And speculation only intensified yesterday when he announced his retirement from playing within hours of Michael Emenalo quitting his role as technical director at the Blues.

Emenalo, 52, has been in West London for over a decade and played a huge part in their recent successes, with the club winning eight major honours during his time there.

Meanwhile, Pirlo opted to hang up his boots for good after a two-year spell with MLS side New York City.

In a statement on Instagram he wrote: “Not only my adventure in NY comes to an end but my journey as a football player as well.

Pirlo, who has been spotted watching Chelsea matches in the past, announced his retirement from playing on MondayAFP

Michael Emenalo quit as Chelsea’s technical director on the same dayPA:Press Association

“That is why I would like to take the opportunity to thank my family and my children for the support and love they always give me, every team that I had the honour to play for, every team-mate I have been pleased to play alongside, all the people that made my career such incredible and last but not least, all the fans around the world that always showed me support.

“You will always be on my side and in my heart.”

ANT EM SHOCK Conte’s Chelsea future rocked by exit of Michael Emenalo

Pirlo has previously denied any Chelsea links, but many see it as too much of a coincidence both he and Emenalo made major announcements on their futures on the same day.

The iconic playmaker knows Conte well having played under him for three years Juventus, and that led to claims he would be brought to the Blues as a coach.

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However, many are now claiming on Twitter that he has in fact been lined-up as the club’s new technical director:

So Emenalo departs Chelsea just as Pirlo retires from playing football. All set for him to move upstairs at Stamford Bridge…

— Garry Hayes (@garryhayes) November 6, 2017

Pirlo announces his retirement from playing football & then Emenalo leaves his post at Chelsea.

Coincidence? think not.

It is happening. pic.twitter.com/qI5OHdQcrE

— ️ (@AddictedToCFC) November 6, 2017

Pirlo the new Sporting Director? #CFC

— Chelsea Activity (@ChelseaActivity) November 6, 2017

Come to Chelsea FC Idolo @Pirlo_official pic.twitter.com/iAuvqxe6qH

— (@MagicianCesc) October 24, 2017

When asked previously about Chelsea, Conte told the Daily Mail: “No I won’t. I need to rest.

“I will go back to Italy, have a break and spend time with my family and friends. Take some time to think about what to do next.”

Pirlo appears to be a popular choice among the Chelsea fans on social mediaSplash News

Pirlo played under Conte for three seasons at JuventusGetty Images - Getty

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has emerged as another name linked with the postPA:Empics Sport

The former AC Milan and and Inter man is not the only name from football royalty being linked to the post.

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard’s name has been mooted along with fellow former Blues player Andriy Shevchenko and the Prem side’s former manager Guus Hiddink.

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