Del Piero will create a legacy

This is not a two million dollar holiday. Far from it.

A player who has played over 700 games and scored almost 300 goals for one club over nearly 20 years does not treat football as a holiday.

You only have to look at the homepage of Alessandro's official website to realise how much he really wants to come to Sydney. His logo, which resembles a love heart or a smiley face, is neatly, perhaps symbolically, fitted between the words "I" and "Sydney." The 2006 World Cup winner has also expressed his delight at starting a "new future" in a new country.

Tony and Ale - Sydney FC CEO Tony Pignata with his new best friend.

The news is all over the Italian press, including well-recognised newspapers such as Corriere dello Sport and La Gazzetta Dello Sport . His future has been the source of constant speculation since Juventus declined to extend his contract for another season. "Il Pinturicchio" had been linked with clubs from all over the world, most notably Scottish champions Celtic, Swiss side FC Sion, and Premier League Clubs Southampton and Liverpool. Del Piero has effectively turned down big offers from European clubs, in order to create a legacy in the Hyundai A-League, to do something that no other player from Europe has ever done before.

"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

Pignata, player agent Lou Sticca, Sydney FC chairman Scott Barlow, and all of the others who were involved in this massive coup, should be commended for their efforts over the past two weeks, working tirelessly to lure one of Italy's favourite sons to Australia. It is a shock, that someone of Del Piero's calibre would want to leave the giant atmosphere that is European football.

The Italian press will never miss a chance for a Del Piero photo

As has been stated by various news outlets in Italy, Sydney FC matches will be televised throughout Italy. That is not a surprise, since Del Piero will be forever idolized by millions not just in Italy but in Europe as well. Those people need their frequent dose of ADP fever. Therefore, his decision will bring the A-League a more global audience than ever before. I am guessing that people in Italy will purchase Sydney jerseys with Del Piero's name on on the back!


Del Piero might be 37 years old, but he still played a crucial role in Juventus' unbeaten campaign in winning the Serie A last season, with 28 appearances and 5 goals, one coming late in the season vs title challengers Lazio from a vintage free kick. Throughout the 2011-2012 season, Del Piero was still able to maintain a high level of fitness, creativity with the ball at his feet, and fast pace - all things that he is famous for. There were even rumours that Cesare Prandelli, Italy's coach for Euro 2012 in June, might call him up to the squad if injuries came about.

Grande! Del Piero celebrates his crucial 82nd minute goal against Lazio, giving Juventus a 2-1 victory.

Again, Del Piero is not here for a holiday. The commitment, loyalty, and perseverance that he has shown for Juventus since 1993 has not slowed down over the past few years. Del Piero genuinely wants to help Australian football grow, to spread the awareness of the league. "Alex" previously stated that he wants to play football until he his 40. Who knows, his leagacy could result in other big European players wanting to experience the Australian culture.

Del Piero before his J-League charity match in Japan

Sydney FC and the A-League as a whole will get a return on their investment. Australia has a strong Italian community, a passionate group of Italian football fans, and Alessandro will certainly contribute to larger crowds. Other added benefits include sponsorship opportunities, and possibly exhibition matches with top clubs in Asian football leagues, where Del Piero is well known. Earlier this year, he offered his services for a friendly football match in Japan, scoring a goal in the process.

Del Piero has made a tremendous difference off the football field. Previously, he has helped spread awareness of cancer research for the Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro. In February this year, it was reported that a young girl in hospital woke up from a coma after heraing his recorded voice. He joined fellow Italian star Francesco Totti in a comedy sketch show in 2007. The videos on YouTube are hilarious.

But considering the greater good of football in Australia, I am positive that Del Piero will fully embrace the young crop of footballers in Australia, by holding skills clinics and visiting schools.

In about two weeks time, Del Piero will arrive in Sydney to begin training for his first A-League match against the Wellington Phoenix in Wellington on October 6. To use Del Piero's words...

Mio futuro si chiama Sydney...E non vedo l'ora di cominciare

[My future is in Sydney ... and I cannot wait to start]