Alessandro Del Piero has not ruled out playing into his 40s after agreeing to a contract extension at Sydney FC.
Alessandro Del Piero has not ruled out playing into his 40s after agreeing to a contract extension at Sydney FC.
The Italian World Cup winner will line-up for his 24th professional season in 2013/14 after opting for a second stint in the sky blue, by which time he will be approaching 39.
A managerial career awaits Del Piero but he is not quite ready to shelve the boots.
“In my situation, at my age, I want to be honest with myself and the squad,” he said.
“We have to see year by year. I want to play like this year, like the last year.
“If I can do this I can play (in 2013/14). If not, a new story.”
Del Piero has won it all in a glittering career, but he remains hungry for more.
He wants to leave a lasting legacy at Sydney FC – and claim some silverware along the way.
He said: “I want to do more great work with Sydney FC like this year.
“It’s a challenge and I want to win the championship.
“That’s why I am here. I want the challenge and want to win (the championship) again next year.
“Everyone wants improvement next year. Everyone wants to do better and better every week and that’s what I feel when I talk with (chairman) Scott (Barlow) and all the board and the boss (Frank Farina).
“That’s why I’m very happy to stay here.”
And so is his family.
Del Piero sought the blessing of his wife and young children before agreeing to extend his stay in Australia.
“I changed everything in our life. I needed (time) to understand what is good and what is not and for sure it is good here,” he explained.
“They love the city, the people, the weather…everything.”
