A tribute to Alessandro Del Piero

Moneymaker

As most of you know, Alessandro Del Piero's contract is not going to be extended at Juventus, and at 37 years old, his 19 year stay at the club is coming to an end.

I am not a Juventus fan but I feel it's right to make this thread and give Del Piero the recognition he deserves on a marvelous career and allow others to share videos and memories of the great man.

16 club honors, 1 world cup, countless individual awards. Stayed loyal when the club was humiliated and relegated to Serie B after the match fixing debacle(he wasn't the only one who stayed to be fair). He now leaves after Juventus return to the top in Italy, a fitting end to a magnificent career.

Giggsy11

Great player and one of my all time favorite player. This season there are many Legends/veterans retiring/leaving their clubs in Serie A. Takes time to watch the teams without them.

Milan without Maldini was never the same for me, now without Nesta, Seedorf it is even worse. Likewise Juve without ADP.

Jimmy Iovine

One of my all time favourite players. Never really got see much of him bar when he was playing on the big European nights and in other matches. Fantastic player. He also has the same birthday as me. That's probably one of the main reasons that I like him so much.

He is not retiring yet is he?

Moneymaker

Jimmy Iovine wrote: »

One of my all time favourite players. Never really got see much of him bar when he was playing on the big European nights and in other matches. Fantastic player. He also has the same birthday as me. That's probably one of the main reasons that I like him so much.

He is not retiring yet is he?

Apparently he would like to continue playing. Whole host of clubs interested.

I still think if used properly he can contribute to almost any side around but I think it'd be more fitting if he retired.

dfx-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r8cELaO010

Decent player, good at free-kicks..

Ebbs

Hope he pulls a Neal Fenn and signs for Rovers...

He's had some career. He signed in 1993, most of boards probably werent even born back then.

Hes a gentleman too, couldnt believe how humble he was when playing over here. His press conference in Tallaght was one of my favourite moments following Rovers.

Pinturicchio

He's my all time favourite player, and the main reason I got into football (and Juventus). He's an absolute legend and a gentleman on and off the pitch.

Two goals and a standing ovation at the Bernabeu.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJE3h1he6k

The famous volley against Fiorentina

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89GJG1BoFyE

There are so many other classic Del Piero moments. The free kick to beat Inter at the San Siro, the screamer in the World Cup semi final, the bicycle kick assist for Trezeguet away to AC Milan.

8 Scudetti, 1 Serie B, 1 Champions League, 3 time Champions League runner-up, 4 Italian Super Cup, 1 UEFA Super Cup, 1 Intercontinental Cup, 1 World Cup, Euro 2000 runner-up, 2 Euro U21 championships, Champions League top scorer, Serie A top scorer, 2 time Italian player of the year.

Juventus All-Time Leading Scorer
Juventus All-Time Leading Scorer in Champions League
Juventus All-Time Leading Scorer in UEFA Competitions
Juventus All-Time Leading Scorer in International competitions
Juventus All-Time Leading Scorer in the Italian championships
Juventus All-Time Leading Scorer in Italian Super Cup
Juventus All-Time appearances holder in Serie A
Juventus All-Time appearances holder in the UEFA club competitions
Juventus All-Time appearances holder in international competitions
Juventus All-Time appearances leader

Keith186

I was always a fan of him from years and years ago some time in mid 90's.

Great player. Very loyal to his club given what's went on there.

JerryHandbag

That volley against Fiorentina, that brings back memories....what a goal! Amazing technique. He could still do a job somewhere for another year or 2.

LEGEND.

kryogen

Juventus legend, coming back from the injuries he had and going on to still be so so good is a testament to his mental strength also. Could certainly still do a job if used correctly. Could be best to go out on top though. League champion after all the club has been through

Rekop dog

Imo there should be a lifetime(well career long) achievement award along with the world player of the year award every year because players such as Del Piero, Giggs, Raul, Zanetti may never have been the very best any year but their remarkable consistancy and longevity is deserved of more recognition.

Del Piero may have played for team that have more often than not been the direct rivals of the team I support in terms of battling for titles but it's impossible not to admire the guy, such a classy operator.

Don't particularly get why Juve haven't offered him an extension, aside from being loyal to a guy who stuck by the club during the hard times, he's proved this season that he's still got a lot to offer from a footballing perspective. Sad that he doesn't get to end his career playing for his beloved team.

Jimmy Iovine

Moneymaker wrote: »

Apparently he would like to continue playing. Whole host of clubs interested.

I still think if used properly he can contribute to almost any side around but I think it'd be more fitting if he retired.

The experience he has would be vitally important to almost every youth team in the world. Hopefully he sticks around.

Thank god he's not 10 years younger though. I wouldn't fancy our chances against an Italian team led by Del Piero.

d.anthony

Was lucky enough to see him in person when Celtic beat Juventus 4-3 in 2001. He scored a superb free kick that night, the opener...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JChsDUXVHQM

Great player

drumlover22

His loyalty to Juve has been magnificent, mad looking at him throughout the years

antomorro-sei

Fcuking legend...

CiaranC

He'll never play for Rovers

LeBash

Great to see a player with that kind of loyality even when they were dropped a division Im sure he could have sealed a nice money move for himself.

Not my favourite footballer but certainly a Juve hero.

Ronan|Raven

Ahhh but could he do it on a rainy wet night in Monaghan?

He was one hell of a player, 19 years at one club has to be admired (even if that club ate most others for lunch..)

Ebbs

Ronan|Raven wrote: »

Ahhh but could he do it on a rainy wet night in Monaghan?

He did it on the rainiest wetness night I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing in Modena. :P

Dempsey

One of my favourite players, a football legend in his own right. It will be strange to see him play for another club if he does continue to play.

older i get better i was

great player no doubts, but wasn't he wrapped up in a growth hormone scandal with juve, think he said he didnt know what the doc was injecting into him. what a talent tho.

Nuri Sahin

Just scored to put Juve 2-0 to the good.

Never really liked Juve, probably because I had a friend who was a bit of a clueless gloryhunter and quite dismissive of Milan (who I liked due to Sheva, Rui Costa, etc). But if there was ever a reason to like Juve, it was Delps (and Nedved ). Legend is the only word to describe him.

Rekop dog

Strong rumours that Juve are actually giving him another extension today. Very weird how they've dealt with this whole thing tbh.

kincsem

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ehbfgISDEU

Never give up.

Moneymaker

Del Piero starts today and finds the net within 30 minutes.

Manly tears were shed all across Turin.

NIMAN

I was in the Bernabeu in Nov 2008 to see him inspire Juve to a 2-0 victory.

He was meant to be at the end of his career then but he was different class. Got a standing ovation from the Madridista.

Here's a view of his free-kick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGu8A2XwFV8&feature=related

And his standing ovation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCHXtxBPsm0&feature=related

Nuri Sahin

Just subbed there.

Nuri Sahin

Just flicked over to the match again. Delps walking around the sidelines waving to the fans. Lot of supporters in tears. Still 20 mins to go and all in the match.

JP Liz V1

Sad to see a legend like Del Piero leave Juventus

Paparazzo

One of the best dead ball specialists in my lifetime. Legend!

Mr. Presentable

A top class person on and off the field. His career is all the more impressive considering the terrible knee injury he suffered in 1998. What might he have become had it not happened?

Mr. Presentable

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14VU2PiZRLI

CiaranC

Moneymaker wrote: »

Manly tears were shed all across Turin.

Why, were the Juve fans on holiday there or something?

Paparazzo

CiaranC wrote: »

Why, were the Juve fans on holiday there or something?

Juventus are from turin

carlop

Paparazzo wrote: »

Juventus are from turin

I guess he was referring to how their fanbase is generally from other parts of Italy, especially the south. It is said that people from Turin support Torino, though I'd say it's probably a 50/50 split in the city between the two, obviously with a few fans of other clubs thrown into the mix too.

plasmaguy

So many great goals, so many great moments.

My favourite was the goal against Real Madred in the semi final of the CL in 2003 in Turin.

Brilliant goal, could turn a game with a flash of brilliance in an instant.

plasmaguy

Got a standing ovation at Madrid a few years ago too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcJE3h1he6k

class player.

Mr. Presentable

No disrespect, but do you not read any prior posts to your own at all?

Samich

A letter written by Del Piero to the Juventus fans.

NOTHING CAN BE BETTER THAN...

Than eight Scudetti.

Than a promotion from Serie B.

Than a Coppa Italia (let's hope two).

Than four Italian Super Cups.

Than a Champions League.

Than a European Super Cup.

Than an Intercontinental Cup.

Than a goal scored against Fiorentina.

Than a Del Piero style goal.

Than a goal in Tokyo.

Than my tears.

Than a goal in Bari.

Than a back-heel volley goal in the derby.

Than a goal for the Avvocato.

Than a tongue stuck out in a game against Inter.

Than an assist to David.

Than goal number 187.

Than a goal in Germany.

Than Berlin.

Than a goal scored against Frosinone.

Than a top goalscorer title in Serie B.

Than a top goalscorer title in Serie A.

Than a standing ovation at the Bernabeu.

Than 704 matches in the black and white jersey.

Than 289 goals.

Than a free-kick scored that meant the Scudetto.

Than a goal against Atalanta.

Than any record.

Than the No 10 jersey with the name Del Piero.

Than the captain's armband.

Nothing, but...what you have given me in these 19 years.

I'm happy that you have smiled, cheered, cried, sung, shouted for me and with me.

No colour will ever be brighter for me than black and white.

You've made my dream come true. More than any other thing, today I just want to say THANK YOU.

Always by your side

Alessandro

JaMarcus Hustle

From today, Del Piero is no longer a Juventus player. "End of an Era" is used a lot these days, but is wholly appropriate here. He's written the following open letter to Juve fans to mark this day.

"It ends here, my contract with Juventus expires today," the 37-year-old states in his letter, published in Corriere dello Sport.

“It’s not news, but knowing it is ‘official’ still has an effect on me. It is not a sad moment for me, there are no regrets or nostalgia. Not anymore.

"That’s because I’ve had time to think back over everything that happened in my last Bianconeri season, going further back and reliving the greatest dream I could’ve dreamed.

"All the memories, the joys, the triumphs and – to be honest – a few recent moments of bitterness... Today all these images flash in front of my eyes and at a certain point blur into one marvellous embrace of my final game in Turin.

“That is the photograph that encapsulates everything, the instant I want to bring with me always, the one that since May 13 has been printed on my heart. It cannot be cancelled.

“A while ago, before going on vacation, I emptied out my locker at Vinovo and walking out of the training ground I stopped where for many months you waited for me hoping for a photo, an autograph or just a hello... under the snow, the ice, the rain, the burning sun. But this time I am the one saluting and thanking you, just as you did with me.

“The players pass by, but Juventus remains. My team-mates remain, who I wish the best and will always cheer them on.

“Above all what remains is the fans, you who are Juventus. That jersey that I loved and will always love, that I desired and respected, without breaks or discounts.

"I am happy that others after me can wear the shirt and above all the ‘10’ that has always had my name on it since they started printing names on the Bianconeri jerseys.

“I am happy for whoever will wear it next year and happy that somewhere – in Italy and all over the world – someone is dreaming of wearing it.

“I would be proud of someone wanting to follow my path, just as I dreamed of doing so with other champions, other examples, other legends.

“From tomorrow I will no longer be a Juventus player, but I will always be one of you. Now a new adventure begins and I am as fired up as I was 19 summers ago.

“Arrivederci. Thanks for everything.

"Alessandro."

kryogen

Truly is the end of an era alright

I still can't believe Juve won't give him one more year, he actually showed he can still do a job when called upon too. Surely he deserved a squad place after all the years he has given (if giggs deserves one then he certainly does!)

Pinturicchio

kryogen wrote: »

Truly is the end of an era alright

I still can't believe Juve won't give him one more year, he actually showed he can still do a job when called upon too. Surely he deserved a squad place after all the years he has given (if giggs deserves one then he certainly does!)

Obviously my heart wanted him to get another year, but my head says it's the right time to move on. Towards the end of last season he struggled at times, even though he got a few goals. He suddenly looked like an old man out on the pitch. I think it's right that he goes out on a high, after a great season for the club in which he made some important contributions (winner in Coppa semi final, winner away to Lazio, goal against Inter).

Alias G

Paparazzo wrote: »

Juventus are from turin

Think that one might have just gone over your head there mate.

kryogen

Pinturicchio wrote: »

Obviously my heart wanted him to get another year, but my head says it's the right time to move on. Towards the end of last season he struggled at times, even though he got a few goals. He suddenly looked like an old man out on the pitch. I think it's right that he goes out on a high, after a great season for the club in which he made some important contributions (winner in Coppa semi final, winner away to Lazio, goal against Inter).

You may be right......I'm gonna stand by my Ryan giggs logic however, if he deserves a new contract then so does the Prince!

Sign him up Fergie!!!!

pokerface_me

my daughter with Del Piero. Proper gentleman off the pitch and a real footballing hero of mine.

stovelid

Complete gent to all and sundry when Juve played Rovers and went out of his way to praise our support. You could tell he got what it was to support a supposed 'small' team against all the odds.

Like Raul and others, you get the feeling that if he wasn't a footballer, he would have one of the ultras on the terrace.

Pinturicchio

kryogen wrote: »

You may be right......I'm gonna stand by my Ryan giggs logic however, if he deserves a new contract then so does the Prince!

This is potentially controversial, but if Giggs was in a squad with as good a midfield as Juve have, he wouldn't get a new contract.

stovelid wrote: »

Like Raul and others, you get the feeling that if he wasn't a footballer, he would have one of the ultras on the terrace.

Definitely. He's a massive Juve fan anyway, he just happened to spend two decades winning trophies and setting records while playing for them.

kryogen

Pinturicchio wrote: »

This is potentially controversial, but if Giggs was in a squad with as good a midfield as Juve have, he wouldn't get a new contract.

Nothing controversial about it

Son Of A Vidic

Del Piero is the epitome of class, loyalty and an Italian football legend. A real pity not to see him getting an extension with Juve. I can't see him playing anywhere else and it just wouldn't seem right. He's leaving Juve as a champion and I think he'll leave it at that.

Kilkenny14

JaMarcus Hustle wrote: »

From today, Del Piero is no longer a Juventus player. "End of an Era" is used a lot these days, but is wholly appropriate here. He's written the following open letter to Juve fans to mark this day.

"It ends here, my contract with Juventus expires today," the 37-year-old states in his letter, published in Corriere dello Sport.

“It’s not news, but knowing it is ‘official’ still has an effect on me. It is not a sad moment for me, there are no regrets or nostalgia. Not anymore.

"That’s because I’ve had time to think back over everything that happened in my last Bianconeri season, going further back and reliving the greatest dream I could’ve dreamed.

"All the memories, the joys, the triumphs and – to be honest – a few recent moments of bitterness... Today all these images flash in front of my eyes and at a certain point blur into one marvellous embrace of my final game in Turin.

“That is the photograph that encapsulates everything, the instant I want to bring with me always, the one that since May 13 has been printed on my heart. It cannot be cancelled.

“A while ago, before going on vacation, I emptied out my locker at Vinovo and walking out of the training ground I stopped where for many months you waited for me hoping for a photo, an autograph or just a hello... under the snow, the ice, the rain, the burning sun. But this time I am the one saluting and thanking you, just as you did with me.

“The players pass by, but Juventus remains. My team-mates remain, who I wish the best and will always cheer them on.

“Above all what remains is the fans, you who are Juventus. That jersey that I loved and will always love, that I desired and respected, without breaks or discounts.

"I am happy that others after me can wear the shirt and above all the ‘10’ that has always had my name on it since they started printing names on the Bianconeri jerseys.

“I am happy for whoever will wear it next year and happy that somewhere – in Italy and all over the world – someone is dreaming of wearing it.

“I would be proud of someone wanting to follow my path, just as I dreamed of doing so with other champions, other examples, other legends.

“From tomorrow I will no longer be a Juventus player, but I will always be one of you. Now a new adventure begins and I am as fired up as I was 19 summers ago.

“Arrivederci. Thanks for everything.

"Alessandro."

Genuine class Alessandro - I am sure he will be playing football next season but where?

TerryTibbs!

Over Rated.