Alessandro Del Piero is leaving Sydney FC and likely the A-League altogether after a two-year stint at the club.
The 39-year-old announced his decision to move on from the Sky Blues after boosting the profile of the club and league during his time in Australia.
“His signing was the biggest in Australian football history and it lifted Sydney FC and the A-League on to the world stage,” chairman Scott Barlow said in the statement.
“While it would have been fantastic to see Alessandro remain in sky blue, ultimately this has been his decision.”
Sydney FC said Monday they are hoping to continue their relationship with the Juventus great and 91-game Italian national hero despite the possibility he plays elsewhere next season. Current rumours have the Italian landing in the US next season for a year of MLS.
Del Piero addressed his Aussie fans directly via his official homepage.
“Australia, the moment has arrived to say “arrivederci”, he wrote.
“My adventure with Sydney FC is about to be concluded, and, even if it makes me rather sad, because I have had 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.
“I’ve come to know and love this fabulous country, even though I have lived on the opposite side of the world, right from the first day, you made me feel “at home”. For this I cannot be more grateful to anyone, above all to my supporters, not only those of Sydney FC, all of whom have always shown me their love and respect, in all the cities of Australia.”
Del Piero signed a $4 million deal to join Sydney FC in 2012-13 and was a key contributor in the league’s massive boost in national popularity. He scored 24 goals in 48 appearances for the club.
Get amongst CraveOnlineAU on Twitter and Facebook for daily sport, music, entertainment and gaming news.
