Andrea Pirlo says MLS must scrap its salary cap and end its restrictions on foreign players if it wants to keep pace with the Chinese Super League’s riches.

Pirlo, who helped his New York City FC team to a 4-0 win over DC United on Sunday, said that if it wants to compete, MLS has “got to get rid of any restrictions” on transfers and end the rule which allows only three so-called designated players to earn big money beyond each team’s set budget.

The 37-year-old told the Gazzetta dello Sport: “I’ve seen improvements and from what I have seen in friendly games and the first two rounds of the regular season, the quality has risen a lot.

“Certainly I would get rid of the restrictions on the transfer market, though. Enough with the three exceptions to the salary cap, which is too little to convince other stars to come here. They need to develop a liberal system where you can buy and sell players without restrictions.

“Now there is even the competition from China. Especially if you want to compete with other leagues, at home and abroad, you have got to get rid of any restrictions.”

The designated player rule attempts to offer clubs a moderate amount financial flexibility while maintaining the discipline of a league-wide salary cap. Pirlo is classed as a designated player at NYC FC, along with David Villa and Maxi Moralez. He earned $5.6m in basic salary last season, MLS players’ union figures showed.

Pirlo also said he had not decided whether to stay for another year in America, but would go back home to Italy once he has finished playing. He said: “I’ve not decided yet. I’m just focused on my work and trying to do this without thinking of the future. When I do retire, I am going to go back to Italy.”

Pirlo said he misses playing in the Champions League with Juventus, but insists he does not regret coming to New York. He said: “I do miss those games a lot. They are the most beautiful games to be involved in no matter what age you are, but in July 2015 I made a choice and I don’t regret it. As the years go by, you have to realise when it is the right time to do something different.”

Pirlo was also asked how, as a migrant, he felt about President Trump’s immigration crackdown. “We have a new president who has proposed new laws,” he said. “Just or unjust, we have to adapt. I hope they can change things, but you just have to make the best of it.”