Alessandro Del Piero has confirmed his playing career
with Sydney FC is over, but he may return in another capacity.
The former Juventus great has been linked with the
recently vacated coaching position at the A-League club after Frank Farina's
sacking.
Del Piero, 39, and the club are looking to continue their
relationship, but it remains unclear in what way.
After 24 goals in 48 games, which saw him finish as the
club's top goalscorer in both of his seasons, Del Piero offered his thanks in a
farewell message posted on his website.
"Australia, the moment has arrived to say
'arrivederci'," Del Piero said.
"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.
"It hasn't been an easy choice, also because my life
on and off the pitch has been fantastic, my family and I have really enjoyed
these two wonderful years.
"Australia will remain in our hearts forever."
Del Piero will captain the A-League All-Stars in an
exhibition match against Juventus in August, while he is also an ambassador for
the 2015 AFC Asian Cup to be held in Australia.
He may continue his playing career elsewhere after being
linked with several moves earlier this year.
Sydney FC chairman Scott Barlow said Del Piero's signing
was the biggest in Australian football history, and is hoping their
relationship can continue.
"Today is bitter-sweet," Barlow said in a
statement.
"While we would have liked to see Alessandro remain
at Sydney, his decision now allows us to further our discussions about some
exciting new opportunities for our ongoing relationship and to build on the
legacy that has been started.
"On behalf of everyone at Sydney FC I would like to
say thank you to Alessandro for the enormous contribution he has made to our
club over the last two years.
"It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have him
at our club and we look forward to seeing him in the near future when he is
next back in Sydney."
Culled from Soccerway
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