Fittingly, for a man who owns a vineyard, the enduring brilliance of Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo continues to prove the old adage that some things get better with age.
The 34-year-old is expected to make his 100th international appearance against Mexico on Sunday, and with each game, he gives AC Milan fresh reason to regret letting him go in 2011. Pirlo accumulated a sizeable trophy haul at San Siro, including two Serie A crowns and Champions League titles in 2003 and 2007, but the club elected not to offer him a new contract. It was thus with extra determination that Pirlo moved to Juventus two years ago, and in his time in Turin he has confirmed his reputation as one of the best midfielders of his generation, helping the team win back-to- back league titles.
Pirlo made his international debut against Azerbaijan in September 2002.