Del Piero responds to jibe

August 9, 2000
Juventus Official Site

He's back! Alessandro Del Piero, one of the best-loved players in the world, is finally back in training and is eager to get the new season started. His first day back at work, though, coincided with a public declaration by Juventus honorary president Umberto Agnelli: "Del Piero will be watched closely. Last year he was treated a bit like a mummy's boy, but this year he is a player like any other. If he does not perform well he will be out of the team."

Del Piero replied: "It was the doctor's way of speaking his mind. It is the same for everyone: it is only right that those who deserve to play do so. The use of the term 'mummy's boy' isn't nice, but shows that Juve have always treated me in an excellent manner. But the reason I play isn't just down to the fact that they like me. Umberto Agnelli's message was directed as much at the team as it was at me."

Alex on last season
"Particular attention was paid to my situation due to the severity of my injury. The same will happen to Ronaldo when he comes back, as is the case with any player out for a long period of time. I am happy that it is like this as it shows that the club was hoping to rely on me."

Alex on the critics
"It angered me to hear, as happened also at the European Championships, that I am only playing to keep the sponsors happy. I only started one match, against Holland, as you can't really count the Sweden match (qualification was already assured). Let's use Juve as an example: I was left out of the Final in Munich for another player (1997 European Cup). It's true that last year I played in the League but Carlo Ancelotti always said that I got what I deserved."

Alex on making excuses
"I've never looked for them, not even last year. I started playing well in October, which was also the case in previous seasons. It is not unusual for a player to find his feet in winter."

Alex on goals
"It was the only thing missing last year. I played well and not so well, as happens to everyone. A striker is always expected to score goals but a player should be able to offer more than that. Scoring more is obviously important, even though I believe the fans, the club, my team-mates and the coach were happy with my contribution last season."

Alex on luck
"I have had time to think things over and have come to the conclusion that I am still owed a bit of luck. It's true that in five years I have won everything but let's not forget that Champions League Final in Amsterdam, the 1998 World Cup and the drug taking accusations, which was the worse thing. Then came the injury and the European Championship and the baggage that I am carrying from that. This is why the comments of Doctor Agnelli don't really bother me too much, as I have been through a lot worse..."

Alex on Euro 2000
"In the end I spoke about what happened as objectively as possible and, yes, you could say that I have become one of the "if only" brigade ("if only I had put away those chances..."). But I think that bad luck had a part to play in me becoming a member of the "if only" club as the goal we conceded was done so with only 30 seconds left to play. But let's not forget that we lost to the world champions. It was an important experience, but it's a shame that the finger of blame has been pointed only at me."

Alex on Zoff and Berlusconi
"I think it was all a bit exaggerated: there was excessive criticism from one side and a case of over-reaction from the other (with his resignation)."

Alex on Juventus
"The team has been strengthened in every department, which is only right if we are to challenge teams of a higher calibre than last year (in Europe). The others have also been strengthened. This happened in previous years, but we have always remained among the challengers. Juve must play their new signings and I have to do even better, whether that's through goals or assists. The important thing for me is not just to try and save face but to do the best I can for the team."
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