Del Piero 'happy' to commit to Sydney FC
Legendary Italian striker Alessandro Del Piero has expressed his delight after committing his future to A-League outfit Sydney FC.
By FOX Sports staff
The 38-year-old, who became Australian football's most famous import when he joined the Sky Blues from Juventus last September, has agreed to play out the second half of the two-year contract he initially signed.
Having now extended his stay in the capital of New South Wales, Del Piero is determined to focus on all his attention on helping the club fight for honours this season.
"I am very happy to be staying at Sydney FC for another season," he said on the club's official website.
"I chose Sydney FC at the beginning of this season because I wanted to show my love of football in another country and I have enjoyed the challenge and my time at Sydney FC and in Australia.
"I have always said I want to continue that for next season but first we must work hard for success on the field for the rest of this season."
Sydney chairman Scott Barlow was understandably delighted that their marquee signing has committed his future to the club, and is looking for him to continue having an impact on and off the field.
"Alessandro's arrival at Sydney FC has been a wonderful success for Sydney FC and the A-League both domestically and internationally," he said.
"His performances on the field have been tremendous, highlighted by him becoming the leading goalscorer for Sydney FC in a single season, but off the field he has also delivered unprecedented interest and profile for Sydney FC across all levels of the club.
"We look forward to working together with Alessandro to increase the profile of Sydney FC and football in Australia as we strive for success on the pitch for the remainder of this season and next."
With five games remaining in the regular season, Sydney have recovered from a slow start and are on track to make the Finals Series, currently lying fifth on the table.
Of the 34 goals they have netted this term, 11 have come from Del Piero, who is just four behind Central Coast Mariners hitman Daniel McBreen, who is currently leading the goal-scoring charts.