Del Piero will be back

May 18, 1999
Juventus Official Site

TURIN - Alessandro Del Piero has been silent for a long time but he chose to speak in front of millions of people on a quiet spring evening on Monday night on a programme chaired by Piccinini on Italia1.

"If Juventus had been successful, it was my greatest dream to play in the final of the Champions League, even though I don't think we could have risked such a hurried comeback".

The Black & White No. 10 went from the Cup to the Championship, from himself to Ferrari. "Milan and Lazio? Difficult to say who will come out on top, but I think that Lazio are not at the top of the division and the responsibilities are varied."

As Del Piero listens, he sometimes looks perplexed, at other times he smiles. "I am worried by the rumours going round: many think that the big teams win because of powerful backing. Well, Juventus and I have lost two Champions League finals: one because of an offside goal; the other because two penalties were not granted. Anyway we have turned over a new leaf and will not dwell on the past".

San Vendemiano's hero then discusses his slow and painful recovery. "It looks if it's proceeding without a hitch. The timing remains unchanged. The most difficult moment has passed. The worst was during the matches especially during the home games. You can see your fans in the stadium, your friends are there and you can't play - it's very painful".

When asked if he felt responsible for Juventus' downfall that has occurred after his injury (up until then they were first), Del Piero answers sharply: "If I have been missed by my team, I should be flattered. Although I know that the team did their very best up until the end".

Giampiero Mughini, famous writer and permanent guest on the programme viewed by most in Italy, questioned the player on his future and his contract. "A thousand lire or eight hundred for Juve? I have grown up wearing these colours and it is a great honour wearing Number 10. This obviously has great influence on my decision as well as the money. It is also very important to be able to rely on a company like mine with whom I share great respect. The saying "grabbing the bull by the horns" is very clear and answers any doubts that have filled the newspapers recently. "I will definitely win more with Juventus than with Atletico Madrid, so it is more sensible for me to stay where I am".

In a recent interview Marcello Lippi seems to have given low priority to the renewal of his contract and on this matter Del Piero has no doubts: "He fully understood my position, in fact it's like he photographed it. My first priority is my recovery to get back to what I was before and I have two people with me who have my best interests at heart: staying in Turin.

Del Piero reiterated his opinion of the former Juventus tactician, saying: "We all respected his decision to leave. In the end he gave us all he had and his experience ended with us. I can understand the fans' view that see him transferring to Inter after all that has been said lately, but this is football...." referring to end of season statements saying that Lippi had "betrayed no-one".

"Which is the player I feel most comfortable with? Definitely Di Livio. I played with him in Padova, I have had to bear him for eightyears... Which player would I give an Oscar to? I have always liked Weah, without a doubt ...."

Amongst all the laughter, quips, discussions, Fabio Capello compliments Del Piero praising his competitiveness and how essential he is to Italian football: "It is clear. Juventus started its downfall after the injury and distanced itself from Del Piero. Together with Inzaghi and Zidane he is fundamental...

From football he went on to Ferrari with De Adamic, a famous Formula One journalist, asking him who he would choose for a team-mate for the year 2000 if he was Schumacher and Irvine wasn't available. The answer given with a smile is immediate: "If I could choose amongst everybody I would go for the strongest because two powers guarantee the best".

At the end an answer came via the internet. "The biggest error you have made? Depends what you mean by error. If injuring myself at Udine in the last minute was an error, then certainly it was the biggest..." But Alessandro Del Piero will be back in the new season. "At well as the others, only a bit more rested..."
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