Sydney FC is proud to announce Italian World Cup winner Alessandro Del Piero will be the club’s captain for Hyundai A-League 2013/14 season.
Sydney FC is proud to announce Italian World Cup winner Alessandro Del Piero will be the club-s captain for Hyundai A-League 2013/14 season.
Alessandro will return to being captain following 11 years in this role with Juventus FC, leading the Italian giants to five Serie A titles (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2012), two Italian Super Cups (2002, 2003) and guiding the club back to the top flight with the Serie B title in 2007.
The 38 year old has also captained Italy several times, including during the 2008 European Championships.
“This is a great honour for me to be given the captaincy of one of Australia and Asia-s biggest clubs,” said Del Piero.
“It-s a very proud moment for me and I will give everything to help the club win the Hyundai A-League Championship this season.
“I hope supporters get behind the team and all together we can be successful.”
Del Piero will lead the team out for the first time in a Hyundai A-League match during the season opener when the Sky Blues take on the Newcastle Jets at Allianz Stadium on Friday 11th October. (7.30pm kick off).
“We are delighted that Alessandro will be our captain for the forthcoming Hyundai A-League season,” said Sydney FC Chairman Scott Barlow.
“Alessandro brings a wealth of experience to this role having successfully captained one of the world-s leading football clubs for more than decade.
“Alessandro is a natural leader both on and off the pitch and he is recognised the world over as one of the great captains of the modern era.
“It is a proud day for this club to be able to name him as our captain.”
Head coach Frank Farina said: “Alessandro is a role model in the dressing room and is highly respected amongst the players at the club.
“He has already shown his leadership qualities since being here, helping out the younger players and becoming a major influence within the team.”
Del Piero will be supported by the club-s vice captains Brett Emerton and Terry McFlynn, who passes on the armband.
“It has been a huge honour to be captain and I will continue to give my all for this great club,” said McFlynn.
“It is a privilege to precede one of the most illustrious names in world football and I look forward to working with Ale and giving him my full support.”
Sydney FC finish their pre-season campaign with games away to Brisbane Roar (September 22nd in Cairns) and at home to Perth Glory (September 29th venue TBC).
