Kalvin Phillips reveals Andrea Pirlo message to Leeds United midfielder and Jack Harrison role as Whites star eyes England milestone

By Lee Sobot
Published 14th Nov 2021, 10:08 BST
Updated 14th Nov 2021, 10:26 BST
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Kalvin Phillips has revealed details of a message from Italy legend Andrea Pirlo as Leeds United's 'Yorkshire Pirlo' moves closer to another milestone for England.

Phillips is already just two outings away from securing a 20th cap for the Three Lions, despite only making his international debut in September 2020.

The Whites midfielder has earned the nickname the 'Yorkshire Pirlo' as a nod to Italy' s former World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo's brilliance in the middle of the park.

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Pirlo starred as Italy won the 2006 World Cup and 15 years later the former Azzurri star hailed Phillips this summer as he shone in the European Championships.

MESSAGE: For Leeds United's England international star Kalvin Phillips, right, from Italy legend Andrea Pirlo. Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images.MESSAGE: For Leeds United's England international star Kalvin Phillips, right, from Italy legend Andrea Pirlo. Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images.
MESSAGE: For Leeds United's England international star Kalvin Phillips, right, from Italy legend Andrea Pirlo. Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images.

The Three Lions were only denied getting their hands on the trophy after defeat on penalties to Italy in the final.

Ahead of the final, Phillips has now revealed that Pirlo sent him a message - and that Whites team mate Jack Harrison played a key role in delivering it.

"It's always nice to get the recognition of some unbelievable players," said Phillips to PA Sport.

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"The night before the final Jack Harrison, who used to play at New York City with him, sent me a video of Pirlo.

"It was a video to me saying 'good luck in the final and he wishes me all the best' so that was very nice.