Andrea Pirlo has revealed that he had agreed a deal to join Chelsea during his days at AC Milan.
The 33-year old Juventus star almost left Italy to join the Blues, whilst Real Madrid were also very keen, after he helped the Azzurri take out the 2006 World Cup.
"I had already reached an agreement with Chelsea, but (Silvio) Berlusconi intervened and I stayed at AC Milan," Prilo told Voetbal Primeur.
"I was also very close to a move to Real Madrid in 2006, when coach (Fabio) Capello was there. And (Pep) Guardiola approached me in 2011 to convince me to go to Barcelona, but again it was Berlusconi who put a stop to it."
Prilo, who joined Juventus from Milan in 2011, added: "It was definitely the best decision for my career to sign a deal with Juventus.
"Am I sorry for my departure from Milan? I needed a new challenge. It was best for both parties."