Andrea Pirlo Spotted At Chelsea's Training Ground This Afternoon

After a picture surfaced of Cesc Fabregas looking matey with Andrea Pirlo on social media this afternoon, Chelsea fans could not contain their excitement at the thought of the Italian stallion at Stamford Bridge next season.

Antonio Conte did, however, play down speculation that Pirlo would join him at Chelsea, saying that the New York City midfielder was just visiting his old manager Conte and coaches Alessio, Bertelli and Tous.

Pirlo informed his 2.3 million Twitter followers that he was visiting London with family yesterday, and that alone gave Chelsea fans a reason to speculate.

But it looks like it was just a flying visit. Sorry to disappoint, Chelsea fans.

Conte explained: "I'm pleased for this visit. Andrea was my player at Juventus for three years and we won together, I remember him as a great player. He played great football with Juventus in these three years.

I'm very happy for his visit with his son. We have a good relationship. I'm pleased for this."

Pirlo

Here are some pictures of Pirlo at Chelsea training ground:

Pirlo

Pirlo

We can only dream of Andrea Pirlo gracing the Premier League with his magnificence and class.

Stop teasing us, Andrea.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_