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Alessandro: we thank you

Roar Rookie
21st April, 2014
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Former Juventus great Alessandro Del Piero speaks at his first press conference in Sydney on September 17, 2012 as he begins a two-year stint with Sydney FC in Australia's A-League. The signing of Del Piero, who spent 19 years at Juventus, has been hailed as a significant moment for the A-League, which is entering its eighth season but has struggled over the years with patchy crowds and financial troubles. AFP PHOTO / Greg WOOD
Roar Rookie
21st April, 2014
21
1139 Reads

Sydney FC’s elimination final loss against Melbourne Victory on Friday night may be the last time we see Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero grace the A-League.

At the age of 39, Del Piero’s illustrious playing career may be coming to an end, however he will always be recognised as one of football’s all-time greats. His decorated 19-year career with Juventus included club records of 290 goals in 705 appearances across all competitions, eight Serie A titles, a World Cup and a Champions League trophy.

On September 5, 2012, in a move that shocked Australian sport, Sydney FC agreed terms with the Italian maestro on a contract worth $2 million a season. During the press conference when Del Piero was announced as Sydney’s marquee player, he stated: “This is a very big moment for me because I want to continue my career in a new part of the world where I can make a major contribution and help grow the game I love.”

He did exactly that. Fans flocked to games throughout the season in big numbers to catch a glimpse of the Italian in action. Who could forget his first goal in the league against Newcastle during his first home game for Sydney? He dispatched a beautiful free kick into the top left corner in typical Del Piero fashion, in front of over 35,000 fans. That’s one way to announce your self to the Australian public.

Fans of opposing teams were in awe every time he showed his exquisite ball control, his excellent touch or when he showcased his talented footballing brain. His four-goal master class against Wellington (where the game finished 7-1) was just one instance among some of his notable highlights throughout his debut season in the A-League. His success has continued throughout this season, although it may not have reached the heights of his debut season. His goal in the season opener against Newcastle and various other moments of brilliance shows he most certainly has still got it.

Del Piero’s appearances in the A-League have been watched closely by fans in Italy, where many consider him to be a god of Italian football. This has given the A-League important international exposure that only a player of Del Piero’s quality could introduce.

Del Piero’s influence on the game in Australia should not be understated. His time in the A-League shows the type of man he is and how grateful he is for his success in football. He wanted to give back to the game that gave him so much.

Del Piero could have retired at Juventus. Finishing that 2011/12 season on top of the league, with a goal in the final league match for the club he loved, could have been the perfect way to go out. But he saw an opportunity to grow the sport in Australia and make Australians fall in love with football. For that Alessandro, we thank you.

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