Del Piero set to sign for Sydney FC
Reuters - Friday 31 August 2012, 11:23
Sydney FC pulled off a massive coup for
the struggling A-League by announcing on Friday that Italy
forward Alessandro Del Piero was expected to sign for the
Australian club.
Sydney FC officials will fly to Italy over the weekend to
conclude the signing of the former Italian striker who left
Juventus last season after 19 seasons.
"This is huge for Sydney FC, huge for the A-League and huge
for Australian football," Sydney chairman Scott Barlow said in a
statement.
"We feel honoured that Alessandro has decided to play for
Sydney FC and we share his excitement that a move to Sydney FC
will create a lasting legacy for football in this country."
Del Piero, who won the World Cup in 2006 and six Serie A
titles, one Champions League and an Intercontinental Cup, is the
biggest name to move to the A-League.
Del Piero had been linked with a move to Sion in
Switzerland, Celtic in Scotland and a host of Asian sides.
The new A-League season starts in October with 10 teams.
Financial issues have hit the league in the past with some
team owners complaining about the Football Federation of
Australia (FFA) and their management of the league.
Gold Coast
United had their licence terminated in February while the
Newcastle Jets walked out before performing a U-turn in May.