The Italian, who turns 40 later this year, moved down under in 2012 in a deal that saw him become Australia’s highest paid player and propelled the A-League to new heights.
Despite Sydney’s efforts to convince him into an off-field role, both club and player confirmed today that they are parting ways — although del Piero did not mention if he will now hang up his boots.
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“It hasn’t been an easy choice, also because my life on and off the pitch has been fantastic,” he said in a statement.
My family and I have really enjoyed these two wonderful years: Australia will remain in our hearts forever.
“See ya mates,” he signed off. “With love, Ale.”
Club chairman Scott Barlow described the striker, who won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, as “one of the greatest players to have ever worn a football shirt.”
“At the time, if you had said Del Piero would be playing in Australia, few people would have believed it possible,” he said.
His signing was the biggest in Australian football history and it lifted Sydney FC and the A-League onto the world stage.
Although del Piero hinted that he and his family will now return home to Italy, he will remain on as ambassador of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup as well as exploring his options to stay involved with Sydney.
“While it would have been fantastic to see Alessandro remain in Sky Blue, ultimately this has been his decision,” Barlow said.
“Today is bitter-sweet. While we would have liked to see Alessandro remain at Sydney, his decision now allows us to further our discussions about some exciting new opportunities for our ongoing relationship and to build on the legacy that has been started.”
'Arrivederci, Australia!' Alessandro del Piero calls time on Sydney career
ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO has said ‘arrivederci’ to Australia after announcing his decision to leave Sydney FC.
The Italian, who turns 40 later this year, moved down under in 2012 in a deal that saw him become Australia’s highest paid player and propelled the A-League to new heights.
Despite Sydney’s efforts to convince him into an off-field role, both club and player confirmed today that they are parting ways — although del Piero did not mention if he will now hang up his boots.
“It hasn’t been an easy choice, also because my life on and off the pitch has been fantastic,” he said in a statement.
“See ya mates,” he signed off. “With love, Ale.”
Club chairman Scott Barlow described the striker, who won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, as “one of the greatest players to have ever worn a football shirt.”
“At the time, if you had said Del Piero would be playing in Australia, few people would have believed it possible,” he said.
Although del Piero hinted that he and his family will now return home to Italy, he will remain on as ambassador of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup as well as exploring his options to stay involved with Sydney.
“While it would have been fantastic to see Alessandro remain in Sky Blue, ultimately this has been his decision,” Barlow said.
“Today is bitter-sweet. While we would have liked to see Alessandro remain at Sydney, his decision now allows us to further our discussions about some exciting new opportunities for our ongoing relationship and to build on the legacy that has been started.”
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Alessandro Del Piero ciao for now Sydney FC