There is a growing swell of opinion that Alex Del Piero’s career is over, but the Juve man is determined to prove them wrong by winning the Champions’ League.
“I am not worried by criticism,” insisted the Italian international, “and just concentrate on playing football. I hardly even read the newspapers anymore. All that counts is that the club, Coach and teammates have faith in me.”
Pinturicchio has long been a controversial figure among Italian supporters, loved by the Bianconeri faithful but often singled out for insults when the Azzurri struggle at major tournaments.
The latest snub came from his childhood hero and former Juve legend Michel Platini, who noted this week that Del Piero “used to have some qualities.”
“Michel has always been my idol,” said the Juventus captain, “but it’s been a fair few years since I took his poster down off my wall.”
“As for the rest, I am well aware that the press manages to amplify everything, so that a mistake is blown up out of all proportion and a goal turns you into a national hero. Everyone needs to look at football in a more balanced fashion, even though I’m used to this song and dance by now.”
Del Piero was the man who replaced Roberto Baggio in the Juventus Number 10 shirt and was meant to fulfil his role with the Azzurri, but as he nears 30 the player is determined to conquer the trophy that has eluded him since 1996.
“We are concentrated,” he said ahead of tonight’s Champions’ League preliminary round tie with Djurgarden.
“Juventus are not underestimating anyone and if there is someone who considers this match a pure formality then they do not belong in this team. We must seek out and expose their frailties without conceding a precious away goal at the Delle Alpi.”
It's odd he dissed his old role model.But i think he'll prove Platini wrong in the next season
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