The sustained stability and growth of Australian football is a key component of the PFA’s strategy and Sydney FC’s signing of Alessandro Del Piero is a major step forward in this direction.

“Del Piero’s signing will encourage other world class players to consider what the A-League has to offer.  It is up to the Australian sporting community to realise the level of interest a signing such as this generates globally and fully embrace the opportunity it presents for the growth of Australian football”, said PFA Chief Executive Nick Holland.

Holland went on to say “it will further improve Australian football’s position in the global market and is excellent for the game in Australia.  I commend Sydney FC and Alessandro on their commitment to the goals that we all share for the A-League”.

PFA President Simon Colosimo praised Del Piero’s desire to give back to the game, “Alessandro’s stature on the international stage is almost second to none. The fact that he is eager to create a legacy in the sport he loves, using Australian football as his platform, is a great compliment to our game.

The contribution to the promotion of the game locally and internationally can almost immediately be recognised via the amount of international media this signing has received.”

Colosimo, who will come up against Del Piero in Melbourne Heart’s match against Sydney FC in December, also stated “the effect that word of mouth has among players is significant and is evidenced by looking at the players that have signed for MLS clubs since David Beckham’s arrival there in 2007.”

Del Piero, who has established his own business interests whilst a player, has won two of the most prestigious competitions in world football, the UEFA Champions League with Juventus in 1996 and the FIFA World Cup with Italy in 2006. These are considered pinnacles of the world game, with which Del Piero is set to inspire players to achieve even greater standards in their careers, both on and off the field.

“Del Piero’s sincerity in his desire to help grow the game in Australia, his loyalty to Juventus over 19 years and his achievements on and off the field show that we’re welcoming not just an intelligent footballer but a person who’s character embodies everything Australian football desires” added Holland.

The PFA looks forward to welcoming Alessandro Del Piero upon his arrival.

ENDS