‘Pirlo to Australia? Maybe…’
By Football Italia staff
The man who helped seal Alessandro Del Piero’s move to Sydney wants Andrea Pirlo to play in Australia if he leaves Juventus.
Lou Sticca was an intermediary in the deal which saw Del Piero move to the A League after leaving Juventus in 2012, and wants to do the same for Pirlo.
“Andrea has a contract with Juventus for another season,” Sticca told Tuttomercatoweb.
“As a Juventino, and I say this in all sincerity, I’d like him to stay at Juventus, as he’s an idol for everyone.
“The reason I’m in Italy is clear, if Andrea decided to leave Italy for other markets and leagues - and I’ll only move if that happens - I want to plant the seeds to get him to Australia.
“Everyone knows that New York City [in MLS] are in the lead, but I’m here to put forward Australia as a consideration.
“What gives me hope is that he was in Australia with Juventus in 2014, and he’s already seen the country.
“I have some clubs interested, they have given me a mandate, but obviously I don’t want to name them. I’m here for my own reasons, I do a lot of work with the federation and the clubs in Australia.
“When I see the lad’s entourage then I’ll tell him the names of the clubs.
“My plan is simple, Andrea or nothing.
“Everything has been, and will do done, with respect for Juventus. I’m a Juventus fan, my goal is to get him to come to Australia, but only if he wants to leave Italy.”
Sticca praised Del Piero’s impact Down Under, but believes Pirlo could do even more for Australian football.
“Del Piero was the biggest thing for Australian football, Andrea could be even bigger.
“I’ll tell you why: Del Piero played for Juventus all his life, while Andrea has played for Milan and Juventus.
“The Bianconeri have the most fans in Italian football, and Milan are there just behind them. It would be a really big deal to bring the fans of those clubs together.
“There are so many big names in Australia which could repeat and enhance the ‘Del Piero effect’. Alex single-handedly brought allure to the A-League, football here is going to explode.
“We’ve made great strides, his [Pirlo’s] arrival would be the best thing for our football.”