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.
Philip Panas
Roar Rookie
Would love to see him stick around. Would be brilliant viewing if he potentially becomes Sydney's player-coach, coming off the bench when they need a spark!
TheCelt
Guest
Could be a great coach for Sydney?
Philip Panas
Roar Rookie
Awesome! Really shows how much he has done for the competition.
Myles Stedman
Roar Guru
A great article. Thank you Alessandro for proving the A-League and Sydney FC with some relevance, and for providing our league and my team with your brilliance and class.
Bondy
Guest
Berrlins Great story, Ale really moved people through the gates here too throughout the country and not just in Sydney,he Ale said he came to Australia to help the sport he's delivered in spades.
Berrlins
Guest
I live in Italy at the moment and work as an English teacher, it's pretty amazing to have kids as young as ten shout their allegiance to Sydney because of ADP. His cost was big for a competition that didn't have a lot of money but his stamp on the competition is priceless
Philip Panas
Roar Rookie
Is that a current figure? I thought when he signed in September 2012 his contract was worth 4 million over 2 seasons. http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1151681/'global-icon'-alessandro-del-piero-signs-with-sydney-fc?c
asanchez
Roar Guru
One big error in this article, as its been widely reported in the last 3-6 months that ADP's contract is worth $3.5m a year. Ridiculous wages! I think he should go, for as good as he's been. But if he were to take a massive paycut (I doubt it) he could stay on a play a reduced role next season. But no club in the world should be spending all their cash on a 40yo. They should be spending half that on other things, and use it to start planning for the future. ADP wont be around for ever!
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
Great player and even though he is nearly 40 well worth the money that Sydney FC spent on him!
SuperEel22
Roar Guru
I hope for one more season from him. Perhaps in a limited role but to also help with bringing through the youngsters. You can't buy ADP's experience.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Heard he is still kicking :P
JonJax
Guest
"Vale Ale".......,rumors of ADP's death are greatly exaggerated. He'll be back!
AWOL
Guest
McFlynn retired mate...
Mahler
Guest
He brought magic touches to every game he played in Australia. I loved to watch him play - those delightful passes, the body turns, the goals, the free kicks...does anyone have a count of his goal assists? Truly memorable player.
Ian
Guest
Thank you seems too little to say to a player like ADP, but may actually be all that is required. There aren't many players you could say that to for coming to Australia. His impact will be felt for years to come I feel and more imports will consider coming here in the future because of him. The kind of media coverage generated globally can't be bought. A great role model off the pitch. Class is permanent. Grazie Mille Alessandro.
Bellissimo
Guest
Alessandro Del Piero is a business, he is a successful brand name and he will play at least another year because he still has a lot to offer. The transition of starting again in a totally new league will only occur if there are good business prospects and a lifestyle that is attractive for him and his family. However, ADP is also a very loyal player, who's stuck by Juventus for 19 years, and was slighted by them, he did not want to leave. He's been in Sydney for 2 years; he has become fond of many of his fellow players and he developed a powerful bond in the team which is more solid with respect, than the decision making of his superiors. I doubt he wants to leave. As far as success of Sydney is concerned, they have not capitalised 100% on ADP. If you think he pulled in decent crowds for Sydney and the A League, think what a Sydney in the top two would have done for the club. It all depends on how willing Sydney FC are to do the deal, even at a compromise. But we are a fickle bunch, wanting the instant buzz (which will invariably pass quickly) instead of the steady flame. But for example letting an iconic player like Terry Mcflyn go demonstrates that it's all about winning, nothing else. One more year of Del Piero, with sensible signings of other players and a brilliant coach, will do FC more good than harm.
Towser
Guest
Privelige to watch him work some football magic above and beyond the A-League by far at times,however he also did Sydney FC a big favour in highlighting just how far off the mark the team he joined were and indeed the coaching staff. It was essentially ADP FC when he was on the park instead of being Sydney FC who added an Italian great to enhance their already established attacking succesful style of football. How this club approaches it's future from now on can be put down to some degree IMO to Del Piero's stay at the club. That a footballer with an obviously aging body ,but still a twinkle in his toes occassionally can steal match after match from younger fitter faster players indicates to me that the Sydney FC board need to sit down and have a long hard look at who we they are as a football club. They say they are doing that,we will see.
Punter
Guest
Methinks he will play next year in a much more reduced contract, his shortfall will be made up with appearance money to appear in the Allstars match & ambassador for the Asian championships. How else can he perform these tasks if not involved in the A-League.
Den1968
Guest
Great player with his feet but I wonder if he can catch a ball
AR
Guest
What a legend. ADP is a gentleman off the field and an enduring class act on it. Gave the comp a massive boost. Vale Ale.