Sydney, Del Piero still in talks
31 August 2012 03:20
Sydney FC remain in negotiations aimed at bringing Alessandro Del Piero to the A-League, as Celtic pull out of the chase for the veteran Italian.
Having first spoken to Del Piero's management on Wednesday night, Sydney FC chief executive Tony Pignata confirmed on Friday negotiations are still underway.
Del Piero has reportedly knocked back a contract offer from Swiss club Sion and Celtic manager Neil Lennon has distanced Celtic from signing the 37-year-old striker, appearing to leave Sydney in a strong position.
"We are still in talks to bring Alessandro Del Piero to Sydney FC," Pignata said.
"Last night we held further talks, which were positive, and we are due to speak later tonight.
"Alessandro is adamant he wants to leave a legacy for football and we have been going through what Sydney FC and Australian football has to offer and the potential for him to achieve that goal.
"We are hoping to get an answer in the next day or two."
Del Piero has been linked with clubs in the USA, China and the Middle East since he finished his career with Juventus in May.
Earlier this week, Celtic and Tottenham were reported to have offered Del Piero a contract but Lennon revealed on Thursday the Scottish champions were not interested.
"There has been contact with his advisors, yes," Lennon said.
"I didn't speak to them, the club did.
"But I don't think there is any more mileage in that really.
"A name crops up, it doesn't matter how old he is, if it is there to be looked at, we have looked at it.
"But I don't think it is going to go any further than that."
