Sydney FC’s signing of Italian football star Alessandro del Piero has sent shockwaves through the football world, including the club’s Macquarie Park training base.
Sydney FC-s signing of Italian football star Alessandro del Piero has sent shockwaves through the football world, including the club-s Macquarie Park training base.
The players regrouped this morning for the first time since the news broke that the World Cup winner was on his way down under.
“Alessandro Del Piero is a household name worldwide through his charity and off-field work, but first and foremost for his recognition as a footballer,” said captain Terry McFlynn.
“He-s in the top 100 footballers in the world. It will be a privilege and an honour for every one of us to play alongside him,” he added.
McFlynn also spoke of the buzz around the club since the announcement in Turin on Wednesday night.
“We were sat watching the press conference live from Italy the other night and there were phone calls and text messages and facebook chats and tweets going back and forth between all of the boys.
“I think there-s a competition on at the minute to see who can have the first barbeque and have him around for dinner.”
Socceroo Brett Emerton came up against Del Piero in the UEFA Champions League when he was playing for Feyenoord against Juventus in 2002 and knows firsthand the talent the Italian will bring to Sydney FC.
“He-s a fantastic footballer who has achieved everything in world football, so to have him to come here and play in Australia, in our league, is something really special and hopefully something the Sydney FC fans and the whole of Australia embrace,” he said.
Emerton also revealed he was looking forward to improving his own game around his new team mate.
“He has outstanding ability club and being able to train with him day in, day out is something I-ll look forward to. I-m sure a lot of the younger boys, and even myself, will learn a lot from him.”
Del Piero is set to arrive in Sydney in the next two weeks and will play in front of his home fans for the first time when the Sky Blues take on the Newcastle Jets at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday 13th October.
2012/13 Sydney FC Memberships are the only way to guarantee your seat to see Alessandro Del Piero. They are now on sale with Public Transport to and from the game from all over Sydney covered in the Membership price.
Purchase your 2012/13 Sydney FC Membership here or call (02) 8314 5100.
