ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO has touched down in Sydney to begin his two-year stint at Sydney FC.
The 37-year-old received a warm and rousing welcome from the 500-strong crowd, some of whom had arrived at the airport as early as 5.30am.
The crowd, wearing Sydney FC and Juventus shirts, chanted Del Piero’s name right up until their hero emerged, just before midday.
Del Piero, who followed his wife and three young children into the bedlam, took his time as he signed autographs and got acquainted with the fans of his new club.
Smiling all the way through the airport and sporting a Sydney FC scarf, the forward paused for a quick chat with the media before being whisked away.
“I am not here for the end of my career, I am here for the start of my new career,” Del Piero said.
Asked if he wants to win titles with his new club, Del Piero said: “I want to win some. I play to win.”
That is good news for Sydney FC, who are reportedly paying him $2 million per season to do just that.
The A-League’s biggest name is expected to join up with his new team-mates on Tuesday and is scheduled to play in a trial match against Newcastle next Saturday.
