Chelsea’s former assistant manager, Ray Wilkins has noted that Andrea Pirlo would be a “great addition” for the club if he were to join Antonio Conte’s backroom staff.

Pirlo, currently with New York City, confirmed his retirement at the end of the current Major League Soccer season at the age of 38.

Wilkins, who has had two spells at the club as assistant manager, said Pirlo would be the right fit for the Blues.

He told reporters,”I said this at the start of the season because Steve Holland left, I thought Pirlo would be the ideal guy.

“He speaks English, he knows Antonio Conte really well and would be a great addition to the Chelsea backroom staff.

“If you can get an ear like Pirlo’s back in the set-up it would be a massive assistance to him (Conte). Observation is really important.

“When you play with the elitists, which is what Chelsea are, then you need little snippets of everything. It’s only fine details that change a drawing side into a winning side. I think he would be a good addition.”