Andrea Pirlo has revealed in his new autobiography that he nearly signed for Real Madrid in 2006, and would “have rushed to play in Spain”.

In light of the Calciopoli scandal AC Milan were among the clubs rumoured to be sent down to Serie B, and Pirlo received an offer from Fabio Capello to join Real Madrid, before Adriano Galliani stopped the move.

I did not know where Milan would be after the 2006 world cup but i was certain that I didn’t want to play in Serie B. In less than a minute Capello had convinced me to come to Madrid, especially once I saw the paycheck on offer before the phone call happened. I was already talking in Spanish because in my heart, soul and mind I was already a Madrid Player with a 5 year contract and an unbelievable salary.”

“I was already imagining myself in the white jersey of Real Madrid. Then my agent called to tell me that Galliani had stopped the move. I rushed to Milanello and met Galliani. My agent kept telling him that Andrea wants Madrid but Galliani said “No, he is not going anywhere.”

“Galliani gave me a new 5 year contract and told me to write any salary amount that i wanted. After a lot of thought i signed the contract. After turning Madrid down I had to lie about the whole thing and tell the media that “I love Milan and I am happy at Milan.”

“I was very upset after all of this as Madrid are better than Milan. That Club has more charm than Milan. It has a better future and in every way they are better than Milan. When the season ended, we won the Champions league. That comforted me a little or the year would have been a disaster.”