Alessandro Del Piero has brought to an end speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool by penning a two-year contract with Sydney FC.
Italian forward pens two-year contract with A-League outfit
Alessandro Del Piero has brought to an end speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool by penning a two-year contract with Sydney FC.
The vastly-experienced Italy forward was widely expected to make his way to Australia after bringing to an end a 19-year spell at Juventus.
Such a switch was, however, cast into doubt when it emerged that Liverpool could be plotting a late bid to lure him to England.
The Reds remain short on attacking options, though, after seeing another free agent make a move elsewhere - with Michael Owen having signed for Stoke after being heavily linked with a return to Anfield.
Del Piero is confident that he has made the right decision in heading for the A-League and is looking forward to opening an exciting new chapter in a career which has seen him win just about every major honour European football has to offer.
At his unveiling by Sydney, the World Cup winner said: "This is a special day for me. I'm delighted to announce that a few hours ago I reached an agreement with Sydney FC and for the next two seasons by future will be in Australia.
Sensational
"I'm looking forward to what will be a sensational adventure.
"I want to thank all of the clubs that have looked at me, those with which we have spoken and their officials.
"It has been a long process but I needed to make the right choice. I didn't expect so many clubs to look at me. I won't reveal their names, but we touched all of the world's continents.
"Now this adventure can begin."
Sydney chief executive Tony Pignata added: "This signing, of a legend, is a sensational thing not only for us, but for the whole of Australian football."