When Juventus FC announced that they would be parting ways with Roberto Baggio, it was like a dagger has been struck through my heart. I felt there was no hope, nothing to look forward to.
But our hopes rested on the shoulders of one man. A man who would grace the pitches of Turin and capture and minds and hearts of his faithful. The battlefields began in the Italian peninsula leading the team to Scudetto glory amidst Milanese domination. The battlefields of Europe were taken over for the glorious silverware to be lifted high into the Roman summer skies while the legendary Ajax machine stared in shock & awe. An entire continent was crossed - and success was yet again achieved in Japan, with Il Capitano proving who is really the world's best.
When Il Capitano's brigade didn't show up- He came on and showed his class and dignity despite losing the war in Bavaria.
When Il Capitano was destroyed and put to the ground by the Spanish stalwarts - Hierro and his captain Sanchis. For many years to come he was labled as the end of an era- in a world of Rauls, Ronaldos, Figos, Shearers, Ortegas.
When Il Capitano fell down in Friuli, it may have indeed been the end of an era.
His struggle was our struggle. His closest allies Inzaghi, Zidane and parted ways.
His country needed him, and but unfortunately wasn’t equipped with the same mercenaries he had with the Bianconeri. The entire country frowned at him…Barthez denying him of Euro glory.
One evening at the start of a new campaign at San Paolo, a large Blue #10 jersey was unveiled by the supporters before battle. But it was another #10 in a Bianconero jersey who signaled the start of a new era.
A new era which brought him back to that very same pitch where Il Capitano had once lived the worst moment of his career in FRIULI. It was on the FIFTH OF MAY where Il Capitano and his right hand man TrezeGol would lead Juventus to glory. Once again, justice had been brought back to the land!
The following campaign, once again Il Capitano had conquered the island well in advance. But still one more score was there to settle. Captain Hierro brought back old mercenaries in Ronaldo and Zidane. But Il Capitano literally, by one single dribble buried the Spaniard to the floor and sending his sorry ass into retirement (personal touch there, I f*ckin hate Hierro), and tasted the sweet revenge after five long years!
Il Capitano may have failed to conquer Europe, but he still carried the mantle of pride and honor of representing the Bianconeri. He kept the Scudetto shield of honor patched on the shirt for another two years – only for the evil Empire to send his army down into the doldrums of Cadetti battle fields.
And it was in the doldrums where he roared but nobody heard him except for the Bianconeri faithful, who knew that he would be heard again, one day. Back from the Cadetti, and into the real battlefields, once again – Il Capitano, 21 times, (along with TrezeGol's 20) proves he is the righteous king of the land, regardless of who won the eventual war.
Every goal scored brings joy and pride into the heart of every Juventino. Alessandro Del Piero – the Juventus Legend – it’s with great pride and joy that I’ve been your fan every step of the way from the very beginning, every injury, every disappointment, every goal, every assist, every tear, every roar of celebration, every scudetto, and of course, every match you play wearing the Bianconeri shirt!!!!!
GRAZIE PER TUTTI , CAPITANO GRANDE CAPOCANNONIERE!!! FORZA JUVE!!!!!