New York City midfielder Andrea Pirlo insists he is not interested in a temporary switch to Europe in January following speculation linking him with a return to Inter Milan.

The Italy international spent three years playing for the Nerazzurri between 1998 and 2001 and reports have suggested that current Inter boss Roberto Mancini is interested in bringing the central midfielder back to the San Siro.

However, the 36-year-old insists he has no intention of returning to Serie A, as he wants to stay with the Major League Soccer outfit.

Pirlo said: “I still want to play, I do not think about retirement. But I want to honour the contract with New York City. I’m used to these rumours, but I do not move. I’m not in the US to be on vacation, I’m here to have a winning experience.”

Pirlo only moved to the Yankee Stadium during the summer after enjoying a successful spell with Juventus that culminated in a league and cup double during his final campaign in Turin.

The former AC Milan player also reached the Champions League final with the Old Lady during the 2014-15 season and admits that the club wanted him to remain at the Juventus Stadium instead of moving to the MLS.

He added: “It was the right time to make a new experience after four fantastic years and having won everything they could win.”

Pirlo is still a regular feature in Antonio Conte’s Italy squad and will be hoping to be involved in next summer’s European Championship in France.

The Azzurri have been drawn in Group E alongside Belgium, Republic of Ireland and Sweden and are available at 17.00 to claim overall glory in the tournament.