Sydney FC have officially announced that Alessandro Del Piero will be remaining at the club for another season.
Del Piero who had reportedly received bids from around the globe including lucrative ones from the US and Europe, but has decided to stay on revealing he is content with life in the harbour city.
“I am very happy to be staying at Sydney FC for another season,” Del Piero said.
“I chose Sydney FC at the beginning of this season because I wanted to show my love of football in another country and I have enjoyed the challenge and my time at Sydney FC and in Australia.
“I have always said I want to continue that for next season but first we must work hard for success on the field for the rest of this season.”
Del Piero decided to stay and activate the second year of his $2 million a season deal as a way to give his two children a more stable schooling life. They are both enrolled in eastern Sydney schools and have picked up English quickly.
Sydney FC Chairman Scott Barlow, who told the club’s website the signing comes at a great time for the A-league.
“I am delighted to announce that Alessandro Del Piero will continue to be a Sydney FC player for the 2013/14 season,” said Barlow.
“Alessandro’s arrival at Sydney FC has been a wonderful success for Sydney FC and the A-League both domestically and internationally.
“His performances on the field have been tremendous, but off the field he has also delivered unprecedented interest and profile for Sydney FC across all levels of the club.
“We look forward to working together with Alessandro to increase the profile of Sydney FC and football in Australia as we strive for success on the pitch for the remainder of this season and next.”
Del Piero’s 11 goals already make him Sydney’s highest scorer in a single season, and he has brought huge publicity to the club and the A-League.