Andrea Pirlo has announced his retirement from professional football with immediate effect.

The 38-year-old revealed his decision after appearing as a late substitute for New York City FC against Columbus Crew in the MLS Eastern Conference semi-final second leg on Sunday night.

New York City recorded a 2-0 win at the Yankee Stadium, but lost 4-3 on aggregate as their season ended in disappointment.

On Monday, Pirlo took to Twitter to reveal that he would be retiring from professional football after his spell in the MLS.

pic.twitter.com/6TY539vB9z

— Andrea Pirlo (@Pirlo_official) November 6, 2017

Pirlo made 116 appearances for the Italian national team, helping his country win the 2006 World Cup. The veteran midfielder also represented the likes of Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus before leaving for North America in 2015.

He won two Champions League titles at Milan, before lifting four Serie A titles during his time with Juventus.