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ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO – 30th June 2012

August 11, 2012

by JuventiKnows

August 11, 2012

 

Originally published on June 30, 2012

It is over. My contract with Juventus expires today.

It isn’t exactly news, but still, to know that it’s “official” has its effect. It’s not a sad moment for me, I have no regrets or nostalgia. Not anymore. In these days, I have had an opportunity to think over everything that has happened in my last season in Black & White, and from there, go back through the memories to live once again the best dream that I could have possibly ever imagined.

All the memories, all my joys and triumphs and – to be honest – even some recent bitter moments… I clearly see all these images today. But at a certain moment they grow dim, and dissolve into that wonderful stadium hug during my last match in Turin. This picture has it all. Taken on May 13th, it’s a picture I want to have with me forever, it is printed into my heart. Indelible.

Some time ago, before going away on holiday, I emptied my locker in Vinovo and, leaving the training camp, I stopped at the spot where for many months you waited for me to have an autograph signed, a picture taken, or just to shake hands… whether it was raining, snowing, or scorching hot. But this time it is my turn to say goodbye and thank you, like you have done with me throughout all these years.

Players come and go, Juventus remains. My teammates remain here and I wish them all the best: I will always be their biggest fan. Above all, you – the fans – the soul of Juventus, remain here. The jersey that I have always loved and will continue to love forever, a shirt that I desired and respected without any dispensation or economy, remains. I’m happy that others – after I’m gone – will be able to wear it, also and especially #10 which, since player names have been worn in Bianconero, has always had mine over that number. I am happy for the player who will be wearing it next year, I am happy that somewhere – in Italy or in another part of the world – right now, someone is dreaming of wearing this jersey. And I would be proud if that someone would want to follow into my footsteps, like I did with the footsteps of other champions, examples, legends before me.

Starting tomorrow I will no longer be a Juventus player, but I will always remain one of you.

Now it’s time to start a new adventure. I’m enthusiastic and amped up, just like I was 19 Summers ago.

Arrivederci, ragazzi. Grazie di tutto.

Alessandro

 
 

Permanent link to this article: http://juventiknows.com/alessandro-del-piero-30th-june-2012/

  • Supersneki021

    SO SORRY,FOR ME HE WILL BE ALLWAYS JUVENTUS  CAPTAIN

  • Nightharty

    U will always be in our hearts, Il Capitano!

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/D7TVYNETVM3WPB22QOPC2V255Q Chafic

    Too sad…
    couldn’t even read it. just the three first words, It ends here over and
    over. I still cannot believe this is true. And the tears are flowing…
    just can’t stop and it’s been around 20 minutes now.I have to
    be honest, I’ve been a Juventino since the early 90′s. When Nedved
    retired, I wept for hours. And Nedved was absolutely my favorite
    players. I thought I would never cry that much for a footballer. But
    when Del Piero retired, when he played his last match and came off at
    the 60th minute, I wept and wept for days. I even recorded the match,
    and watched it over and over. And until this day, I still watch the
    substitution, the standing ovation, and then lap of honor. You’re one of
    a kind Alex. Italian football lost one of its greatest players. Maybe
    not greatest in terms of ability and talent… But there’s more to
    football than just ability and talent. You’re the bandiera of Juventus.
    The symbol of the club, the flag. Maybe one of the best quotes that can
    define you is something you said during the darkest hours: – A true
    gentleman never leaves his lady. – That’s what you are Alex. You’re more
    than just a footballer, you’re more than an Italian and Juventino
    legend. You’re a true gentleman. On and off the pitch. You will always
    be remembered and never forgotten. Good luck on whatever adventure you
    embark on. I’m sure it would be a huge success, because with your
    charisma, wisdom and leadership, you can always get the best out of the
    people around you. Deepest affection for you, our eternal Captain.
    Too sad… couldn’t even read it. just the three first words, “It is over” over and over. I still cannot believe this is true. And the tears are flowing… just can’t stop and it’s been around 20 minutes now. 

    I have to be honest, I’ve been a Juventino since the early 90′s. When Nedved retired, I wept for hours. And Nedved was absolutely my favorite players. I thought I would never cry that much for a footballer. But when Del Piero retired, when he played his last match and came off at the 60th minute, I wept and wept for days. I even recorded the match, and watched it over and over. And until this day, I still watch the substitution, the standing ovation, and then lap of honor. You’re one of a kind Alex. Italian football lost one of its greatest players. Maybe not greatest in terms of ability and talent… But there’s more to football than just ability and talent. You’re the bandiera of Juventus. The symbol of the club, the flag. Maybe one of the best quotes that can define you is something you said during the darkest hours: – “A true gentleman never leaves his lady”. – That’s what you are Alex. You’re more than just a footballer, you’re more than an Italian and Juventino legend. You’re a true gentleman. On and off the pitch. You will always be remembered and never forgotten. Good luck on whatever adventure you embark on. I’m sure it would be a huge success, because with your charisma, wisdom and leadership, you can always get the best out of the people around you. Deepest affection for you, our eternal Captain.Too sad…
    couldn’t even read it. just the three first words, It ends here over and
    over. I still cannot believe this is true. And the tears are flowing…
    just can’t stop and it’s been around 20 minutes now.I have to
    be honest, I’ve been a Juventino since the early 90′s. When Nedved
    retired, I wept for hours. And Nedved was absolutely my favorite
    players. I thought I would never cry that much for a footballer. But
    when Del Piero retired, when he played his last match and came off at
    the 60th minute, I wept and wept for days. I even recorded the match,
    and watched it over and over. And until this day, I still watch the
    substitution, the standing ovation, and then lap of honor. You’re one of
    a kind Alex. Italian football lost one of its greatest players. Maybe
    not greatest in terms of ability and talent… But there’s more to
    football than just ability and talent. You’re the bandiera of Juventus.
    The symbol of the club, the flag. Maybe one of the best quotes that can
    define you is something you said during the darkest hours: – A true
    gentleman never leaves his lady. – That’s what you are Alex. You’re more
    than just a footballer, you’re more than an Italian and Juventino
    legend. You’re a true gentleman. On and off the pitch. You will always
    be remembered and never forgotten. Good luck on whatever adventure you
    embark on. I’m sure it would be a huge success, because with your
    charisma, wisdom and leadership, you can always get the best out of the
    people around you. Deepest affection for you, our eternal Captain.

  • Vittorio

    GRAZIE PER TUTTI, ALEX!!! Il nostro capitano per ieri, oggi, e domani!!!

  • JoseR

    Class act.  In times when athletes get DIU convictions, are caught partying in strip clubs, sleep with teammates wifes/girlfriends, switch clubs like changing underwear, Alex stands out as one of a kind.  He will be missed.

  • JoseR

    Class act.  In times when athletes get DIU convictions, are caught partying in strip clubs, sleep with teammates wifes/girlfriends, switch clubs like changing underwear, Alex stands out as one of a kind.  He will be missed.

  • Dirtbunny

    *sniffle*

  • Liqaa Mahdi

    I can not read this words or watch Juventus vs Atalanta match without crying … it is my first time to cry for a team or a player or even a famous idol .. the match , the scudetto and Alex essay all full of huge emotion, they gave us a mix of feelings with nostalgia ,heartbreak and sorrow ,even we won and made a huge victory , all these must joy us but we feel this joy with sigh of farewell our legend. I have a great mix of feeling but unfortunately I can not express them. the view of the precious tear in Alex eye (in farewell match) will express it all.

  • JOSHUA

    If you cried for any other footballer, I’d whack you over the head and thrash it in the loo, but if you did cry for Del Piero, I’d sit down and join you.

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