Sydney FC’s high-stakes encounter at Allianz Stadium on Sunday has taken on a whole new significance with star skipper Alessandro Del Piero admitting it could be his last home game for the club.
After 26 matches it all comes down to the final game of the final round for the Sky Blues, who face Perth Glory with a victory securing a spot in the playoffs.
It will be Perth skipper Jacob Burns’ last A-League game before he hangs up his boots while the Sky Blues will pay tribute to retiring midfielder and former captain Terry McFlynn who is also retiring at the conclusion of this campaign.
Del Piero’s future at Sydney remains in limbo, with suggestions the board are unlikely to offer him a contract for next season.
The Italian, who turns 40 in November, said he was still in discussions with the club but conceded Sunday may be the last time he plays at Allianz Stadium.
“It could be honestly at the moment,” he said on Thursday.
“We have already had a chat with the owners and with (chairman) Scott (Barlow) and we are ready to talk at the end of the season.
“We will do the best thing for everyone, but I don’t think about that at the moment.
“Sunday will be a great game because there are many different things around this game,
“But we just enjoy Burns’ retirement, McFlynn’s retirement and hopefully a win.”
With Perth desperately hoping to avoid the wooden spoon Del Piero said he was expecting them to put up a fight.
But it was his personal battle with the famously physical Burns, who is likely to be marking him, that Del Piero said he was especially ready for.
“I’ve prepared double shin pads, two in the front and two in the back,” he joked.
“I really enjoy playing against him, it will be an honour to play against him on Sunday, it’s been a great career for him.”
Should Newcastle lose or draw against Adelaide on Friday Sydney will be assured a a top-six spot.
Depending on other results however, the Sky Blues could end their season as high as second or as low as seventh.
A top-four finish will not only earn Sydney hosting rights in the finals but will secure coach Frank Farina his job past this season.
Farina insists he’s not even thinking about where his side finishes.
“I’m just hoping to win the game Sunday that’s about it,” he said.
“I’m drumming in into the players, we’re not talking about anything about finishing second, seventh, sixth. It’s about getting a result on Sunday.
“That’s the bottom line.”
Matthew Skellett
Guest
I admire ADP too guys and am grateful he has graced the HAL with his class and skill for such a time but i'd hate to see him try and stretch another season when he can barely keep up with the younger guys now once the ball is past him -let him go and let him go with pomp and show it's the right thing to do :-)
Bondy
Guest
I think most football supporters dont want ADP to go and I've suggested many a time play him when he wants to, although ageing he's largely still playing his team mates off a break as witnessed from his last game. He apparently loves living in Sydney his wife/partner appears to love the environment also all conducive for good football. I'd also like to see ADP as some form of ambassador in trying to snare former European players to the HAL players such as Jermain Defoe would've been perfect for the HAL instead he's off to the MLS , could ADP's experience knowledge and contacts help grow the HAL in acquiring also the likes of a Totti ,Pirlo, or Inzaghi truly brilliant ball players all of those would love Sydney or the Australian environmental lifestyle.
AZ_RBB
Guest
The fact that they haven't said anything must mean that they're leaning towards keeping him right? Surely they can't let such a legend just drift away like this. The day he walked through the arrival halls at Sydney airport was like the second coming haha. His departure MUST be similarly spectacular!
fadida
Guest
Typical ADP, generously acknowledging Burns. Not making it about himself. Great footballer, great man
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
I can't believe this hasn't been sorted out yet. Ridiculous. Shinji Ono got an amazing farewell match, surely ADP at, least deserves the same. Or are they counting the match against Juventus? Ha!