I Think Therefore I Play Paperback – October 1, 2015

A friend turned me on to this story. All of my kids are soccer players and I wanted to find something fun and inspirational for them. After previewing a few chapters, I decided to turn this book into family reading at night before bed. Two chapters a night. Except for one small paragraph, it is mostly family friendly. Just a few salty words in context. Andrea Pirlo is a player that didn't look like any other player on the pitch. For a man of such talent and success, he is humble, thoughtful and humorous in the telling of his story (especially as it relates to his good friend Gennaro Gattuso). Since my kids are younger, we followed up the readings with some videos online of Pirlo, Gattuso, Nesta and a few others mentioned to really bring a visual to the story. You don't have to be a Pirlo fan to enjoy this story. But you probably will be when you are done.

No one can claim that this is a great price of writing, but reading this you get the sense that you are actually hearing Pirlo and not some ghost writer. His voice, insight and honest feelings comes out loud and clear.Pirlo is and has been one of the most admired man in soccer and as a writer, it is apparent that he is a genuine, honest human being.I am very thankful that he decided to share a bit of himself and let the world learn a little more about one of the true masters of his craft

Andrea Pirlo's account is refreshingly honest, real, full of heart, and draws you deep into the psyche of the ups and downs of one of the greatest legends of sports history. This book serves as an inspiration to anyone wanting to have a real insider's perspective into the world of football. This book is timeless, with lessons to teach to future generations. The narrative is at times humorous, at times heart-wrenching, but at all times gripping and engaging. I could not put this book down and came away a transformed person--something I did not expect. Andrea Pirlo is manifestly not simply a great player, but a great soul who communicates with you through this book as if he were in your own living room. A respectful presentation that I will never forget, and one of the best reads of the year 2015. Thank you, Andrea Pirlo, for sharing with the world your experiences and timeless messaging which enrich us all. -Ria Persad, www.RiaPersad.com - Author of "All Things Are Possible: Unleashing the Superhuman Within"

A while back, I heard Rocky Hudson on The "Soccer" Show saying he wished Pirlo would smile more while he was playing. I think Charlie Stilitano was cohosting that day and said Pirlo has a great sense of humor (much to my surprise). After reading some of the reviews, they were echoing what Charlie said. You won't have to get too far into the book to see that Charlie and the reviews are correct. Considering this book was translated from Italian to English, it still works out. Andrea isn't afraid to give his opinions. Whether you agree with him or not, he gives you a lot to think about. He was overshadowed for much of his career until he went to Juventus but those of us who root for the Azzurri (and I guess if you like AC Milan) knew how good he was for a long time. He didn't marry a pop "superstar", play for a team or country that overhyped him, have others carry him to great results, release his own cologne, pretend he had the biggest contract in soccer or pretend he was going to buy an MLS team like some other midfielders that can't carry his jock. He's just been that good for a long time. His book is that good, too. Magisterial!

This is a light, easy read. Not especially insightful or thought-provoking, but does make him seem a little more down-to-earth. Obviously translated from Italian so some of the language is a little awkward. Would love to see a more serious bio by a sports journalist. Some funny anecdotes and good photos. If you're a football fan, though, it's not the worst ten bucks you'll ever spend.

A quick book about one of the Azzurri's most important players over the past decade. The regista role is pretty much defined by him in the modern game and he has no true equal in terms of how he plays it. The book flows easily with some good quips about club and international teammates and different managers he's crossed paths with over his career. Pirlo's image is that of a subdued thinking man's player but a quick wit comes across in this book, as does a generally light-hearted approach to life while being a fierce competitor on the field.

If Pirlo hadn't become a footballer, he would have become an artist or poet. In fact he is.I'm no fan of Italian football but had read a very short snippet of this book in a UK newspaper, where he refers to the 2005 Champions League Final defeat to Liverpool, a game which AC Milan had lead 3-0 at half time. I purchased the book on the strength of those few sentences and wasn't surprised to find the rest of the book was just as entertaining and enlightening. What is surprising is, Pirlo doesn't once (if I recall) provide descriptive about any of the hundreds of games he's played in as such, whether at national or international level. There's no "I passed the ball to Del Piero..." type of narrative anywhere....This is more a philosophical look at the game, his life, the lessons he's learned and anecdotes from behind the scenes. Which in my opinion makes for the perfect football autobiography. Pirlo is as good a writer as he is a footballer. And that's probably the highest accolade I can give this book.