Terry McFlynn believes the challenge of hauling his side to the top of the Hyundai A-League will convince Alessandro Del Piero to stay at the club.
Sydney FC captain Terry McFlynn believes the challenge of hauling his side from the bottom to the top of the A-League will convince Alessandro Del Piero to stay at the club.
The Italian superstar’s future at Sydney beyond this season is in doubt, with the Sky Blues yet to table an offer amid strong interest from rival clubs.
But with the team sitting in last position on the table, McFlynn hopes the prospect of reviving Sydney’s fortunes will prove irresistible to the 38-year-old.
“He’s won everything in the game. Every competition he’s entered since he was a kid, he’s won it,” McFlynn said of Del Piero on Wednesday.
“This is no different. He wants to win it and he sees this as something unfinished for him.”
McFlynn is not concerned or surprised rival clubs are circling the World Cup winner.
“He’s a world-class footballer and I think any football club in the world would have him and we’re just privileged and honoured to have him here,” the skipper said.
“He’s a fantastic person and a great character and for everyone at this football club, from the management to the players, we learn something from him every day.”
McFlynn returns against Newcastle on Sunday after serving a one-match suspension.
The Sky Blues crashed to a 2-0 defeat to the Wanderers last start, but the Jets are also experiencing hard times following three straight losses.
“We have to get our own backyard in order first and not worry about what they’re (Newcastle) doing,” McFlynn said.
“We’re still within touching distance of the rest of the pack but we have to start winning games.”
