Del Piero Bids Farewell from A-League
It was the last day for Alessandro Del Piero to turn up in the field to play the last match for Sydney FC. The 39-year-old Italian soccer legend will not be a part of Sydney FC for the next season.
The club has made an announcement on Monday stating Del Piero's sing-off and his contribution to the Australian soccer.
"Two years ago Sydney FC signed one of the greatest players to have ever worn a football shirt, Alessandro Del Piero...At the time, if you had said Del Piero would be playing in Australia, few people would have believed it possible. His signing was the biggest in Australian football history and it lifted Sydney FC and the A-League on to the world stage...Together we have achieved a lot and Sydney FC has grown in every way, with record crowds and memberships and huge interest in our club both domestically and internationally," Sydney FC chairman Scott Barlow said in a statement.
"His signing was the biggest in Australian football history and it lifted Sydney FC and the A-League on to the world stage...While it would have been fantastic to see Alessandro remain in sky blue, ultimately this has been his decision," Barlow added.
Del Piero may not be a part of the team, but Sydney FC is keen to maintain association with the legend in other suitable positions. The club is supposed to start their discussion on the same.
"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," Barlow concluded.
"My adventure with Sydney FC is about to be concluded, and, even if it makes me rather sad, because I have had a wonderful time here, I have communicated my decision to the club...I'm really grateful for the last two years and for the club's request for me to remain and with whom, I am happy to explore new opportunities to continue our relationship," Del Piero said.
"My greatest satisfaction is the rapid growth of the Australian football movement, with interest increasing incredibly for the public, television and sponsors, in this country, considered to be an undisputed role model in the world of sportive culture (both for athletes and spectators), the passion for this sport , that I love so much, is constantly growing...I will remain a bit 'Australian', and will continue to be close to the football movement in this country and the Australian Football Federation, also as ambassador of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, that will take place right here next year. See ya mates," Del
The legendary Italian footballer joined Sydney FC in 2012 on A$4m ($3.78m) deal and contributed 24 goals in the past two seasons.