Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini has played down rumours of his club trying for a loan move for legendary midfielder Andrea Pirlo.
The 36-year-old midfielder bid adieu to his country after having spent almost a decade there to join Major League Soccer side New York City FC in the summer.
However, he has been linked with a move back to the club where he spent three years of his career before joining their rivals AC Milan in 2001.
The admiration for a player of Pirlo's stature though remains, as the former Manchester City manager himself insists, though he admits that there is no truth to reports surrounding a potential move.
While being asked about whether his side would be interested in a loan move for the player, Mancini jokingly commented that doesn't even have Pirlo's contact number.
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"Pirlo? I don't even have his phone number", Mancini said at a press conference.
"It's you lot that have been on about him for weeks.
"He's a fantastic player who has won everything in Europe and now he's decided to try a new experience in another league."
As far as his side's chances of signing any new players during the January transfer window is concerned, Mancini added that he wouldn't essentially want to disturb the balance of his team, but if a suitable opportunity comes they will be ready.
"As for whether we'll sign anyone, we don't want to upset the balance we have. If a good opportunity comes up for us to improve the squad, we'll be ready."
