Mario Melchiot has said that Andrea Pirlo will first return to Italy before making a decision on whether he will join the Chelsea coaching setup.

Pirlo last week announced that he is retiring from professional football at the age of 38.He has been tipped to work as part of the coaching staff at Chelsea having previously worked under manager Antonio Conte at Juventus as well as for the Italian national team.

Speculation over Pirlo joining Chelsea intensified this week after it was revealed that Michael Emenalo is quitting his role as the clubs technical director.

"It has been rumored that Pirlo might join Conte at Chelsea as a coach," Melchiot explained on his personal blog.

"I don't know if they're true, and he will probably want to take a break and spend time with his family back in Italy before making his next move.

"But here is to hoping that he could become part of the Blues setup!"