Del Piero stays in Sydney

Italian World Cup winner Alessandro Del Piero on Thursday signed on for a second season in Australia's A-League as his Sydney FC side pushes for a playoff place.

"I'm very happy about this news," the Juventus and Italy legend told a press conference after agreeing to activate the second year of a reported $2 million-a-season contract. For sure it's a great moment for me, for Sydney FC," he said, thanking the club for trusting him.

The 38-year-old Juventus legend said he would not carry on if he could not play at a high level.

"In my age, I want to be very honest. We have to see year by year."

Del Piero has already scored 11 goals in 18 matches, a record haul by a Sydney FC player in a single season and been a hit off the pitch too, helping to boost crowds, shirt sales and television ratings.

Sydney FC has fought back from the bottom of the league to fifth place - within reach of qualification for the playoffs, largely thanks to Del Piero's goals.

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 02/22/2013 page22)