Del Piero Down Under [comment]

Juventus and Italian football legend Alessandro Del Piero has agreed to a six-month contract with Sydney FC in the Hyundai A-League. It has to be the biggest signing in the history of the A-League with Sydney FC officials, including CEO Tony Pignata, working tirelessley over the past week that involved a few video conferences with Del Piero's agent, brother Stefano. Syndey fought of deals from some off Europe's biggest clubs, such as the Premier League's Tottenham, Scottish and Champions League participants Celtic, and Swiss side FC Sion.

Del Piero will play his first game for Sydney FC against the Wellington Phoenix, in Wellington, on October 6th.

The contract for Del Piero, who played 19 seasons with Juventus in Italy's Serie A, is worth a reported $2 million. The loyal man that he is, Del Piero never considered playing for another Italian team. He even stuck with Juventus when they were relegated to Serie B for the 2006/07 season while others chased the big money at other top-league European clubs.

"This is huge for Sydney FC, huge for the A-League and huge for Australian football," - Sydney FC chairman Scott Barlow.

There is no reason even debating the influence Del Piero will have on football in Australia. He truly is one of the greats; a legend and superstar in not only Italy but throughout most of the world. Where do I begin? World Cup winner in 2006, Champions League winner in 1996, 5 Serie A titles with Juventus, 91 caps for the Italian national team (4th highest) and 27 goals, the all-time leading goal scorer for Juventus and highest capped player as well.

"The pitch [proposal] was focused heavily on what he could do for the game in Australia, what he could do for the fans here. Much like what David Beckham has done for the MLS, 'ADP' [Alessandro Del Piero] could do for us in Australia" - Syndey FC CEO Tony Pignata

Del Piero scores Italy's second goal in the 2-0 extra time win over Germany in the 2006 World Cup semi finals

He might be past his best at 37 years of age, and had a limited role for the Old Lady in his last season, but he scored an amazing goal against AS Roma early on in 2012, in exactly the same style in which he is famous for, curling the ball into the top corner. His free kick against Lazio in April 2012, during his 700th appearance for Juventus, reinforces my argument that Del Piero still has so much to offer. It came in the 82nd minute when the game was evenly poised at 1-1, with Juventus looking for the win to consolidate their position at the top of the Serie A table. It does not get more important than that.


Del Piero has previously stated that he wants to keep playing until he is 40. I am a bit upset that the contract is only for 6 months, but who knows, he might just decide to stay the full season. I cannot wait for October the 6th!