29 Apr 2014

Soccer-Del Piero leaves Sydney FC

7:29 am on 29 April 2014

The former Italy and Juventus footballer Alessandro Del Piero has played his last match for Sydney FC and will not renew his contract with the A-league club.

The 39-year-old striker's two-year contract expired with the club's 2-1 defeat to Melbourne Victory in the A-League elimination play-offs earlier this month.

On his website Del Piero said in a statement that the moment has arrived to say "arrivederci".

The Italian's arrival in Australia on a $NZ 4.3 million deal in 2012 was hailed as a coup of sorts for the league.

Del Piero, who is also the ambassador for the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia, said he will need some time to decide on his future.

Media reports have been linking him to DC United in America's Major League Soccer.