The future is black and white

December 23, 1999
Juventus Official Site

Alex Del Piero will go into the new millennium with one, major motivating force: his hunger for success is as insatiable as ever, as he reveals here. Before embarking on the interview, however, Del Piero was keen to bring up the subject of top club official Antonio Giraudo's public backing of the Bianconeri number 10 during the press conference for the new Del Piero book. "What Giraudo said about me is a source of great pride. We have known each other a long time now, and I am delighted that he was as keen to stress by personal qualities as my professional ones."

So, does that mean that Del Piero will never leave Juventus? "In the summer, I signed a five-year contract with the club, and I have every intention of abiding by it. I think Roy of the Rovers figures - players who stay at the same club throughout their career - do still exist in football. Look at Franco Baresi, for instance. He proved that committing to one club did not result in a loss of motivation. I have always said that Juventus offer an ideal working environment. I know that the negotiations leading to the renewal of my contract went on for ages, but I always knew how they would conclude because my aims and those of the club were ultimately the same."

And Del Piero has no doubts either about the ability of this Juventus side. "We definitely have the potential to win the Scudetto. We need to keep up the good work, but we've still got room for improvement too. The competition in Serie A this season is extremely fierce. That's why we must stay as determined as ever if we are to go all the way."

Beyond club football, Del Piero also had this to say: "It is every Italian footballer's dream that Italy will win next year's European Championships. The tournament is like a mini World Cup; all the best sides are involved, as well as many great players who have come to our attention through club football. It is true that our national side has to win back the nation's belief, but there is no shortage of enthusiasm on the part of the players."

Finally, with Rivaldo having just won European Player of the Year, when does Del Piero think his time will come? "I don't think about things like that," comes back the reply. "I've already won the best award possible by coming back from such a devastating injury."
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