Sydney FC’s Alessandro Del Piero’s first home game.
Sydney FC have held onto international superstar Alessandro Del Piero for another season, after both parties agreed to activate the second year of his original contract.
The former Italian centre-forward’s position at Sydney FC was under threat as it was widely rumoured that he could be on the way to Brazilian club Flamengo.
When asked if he considered leaving Australia, Del Piero was quick ro respond.
‘‘No. No. No.”
Del Piero, who holds Sydney’s highest haul of goals in a single season – 11, is currently enjoying a stellar first season in the Hyundai A-League.
Sydney FC were under pressure to re-sign the player who is listed 60th in the best 100 players of all time by FIFA.
His impact on the league has been widespread to the extent that his presence instigated a TV rights deal in Italy.
Despite contrary belief, Sydney FC chairman Scott Barlow says that negotiations were never in doubt and were straightforward.
“He made it clear to us some time ago that he was very happy to stay.”
Sydney FC are sitting in seventh place, and will need to perform in the final five fixtures in order to stay in finals contention.
On the road to the finals, they have the tough task of facing the top three clubs in consecutive fixtures: Central Coast Mariners, Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory . – Michael Turner
Top (thumbnail) photo from from Jayphen’s Flickr photostream.
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