Del Piero: Why thank Capello?
Juventus have won Lo Scudetto but tension remains between Alex Del Piero and boss Fabio Capello.
The two men have had a difficult relationship this term given that the tactician has often substituted the No 10.
Capello defended his actions during the campaign by claiming that Alex "would thank him" at the end of the season.
But Del Piero, who had remained relatively silent until today, has hit back at the former Milan and Roma boss.
"Why should I thank him? I thank Capello as I have thanked everyone at the club for the Scudetto," he stated on Friday afternoon.
"He has his merits but so do all of the other members of the club. I don’t think I have to single out the Coach for special praise.
"I have nothing to sort out with him though. We are both great professionals and winners, people who are intelligent."
The captain’s ‘problems’ with Capello did lead to reports that Alex could leave the outfit at the end of the season.
Del Piero today insisted that he wants to remain but only if he is given a star role to play.
"I’ve never thought about leaving and I still feel like a symbol," he added. "I want to stay but I want to be a protagonist. If that doesn’t happen then I’ll look around me."
Del Piero is desperate to feature regularly as he is still thinking about winning honours with the national side.
"I don’t feel excluded from the Azzurri squad," he added. "I’ve spoken with Marcello Lippi, we’ll just have to look at my form.
"Would being dropped upset me? I wouldn’t be offended but if I was left out while I was playing well then I would be saddened."