Del Piero ‘expected’ new Juve deal

Alessandro Del Piero intends to play on for five more years but is surprised his contract was not renewed by Juventus.

Sunday, July 29, 2012
Alessandro Del Piero

Alessandro Del Piero intends to play on for five more years but is surprised his contract was not renewed by Juventus.The former Italy playmaker left Juve after 19 years this summer having helped them win the Serie A title for the first time since 2003.He won six Serie A gongs, the Champions League and the 2006 World Cup with Italy during his time representing the Turin club."I’d be lying if I said I didn’t expect a contract renewal with Juventus,” said Del Piero, who would be open to a move to the US."There had already been difficulties last year which had then been overcome."But I gave my all, and more, than what I had, so I am extremely happy. After that, everyone has to follow their own destiny and mine is taking me somewhere else. There is no bitterness, at least as far as I am concerned."The USA is a unique nation where I have always enjoyed myself on vacation. I haven’t got a new club yet, but we’ll see if it is there or elsewhere. I just want to find the right place to continue playing football for one, two, three, or even five years.”Del Piero, 37, has one eye on a coaching career.He said: "If I were to become a coach, I’d certainly try to be like Pep Guardiola. I’d need the enthusiasm of Giovanni Trapattoni, the desire to win of Marcello Lippi, determination of Fabio Capello and the vision of Carlo Ancelotti.”