In Italy, Juventus were once again crowned Serie A champions over the weekend for a record 29th (or is it 31st?) time, prompting an all-time legend to reflect, whilst sending his personal congratulations.
Amazingly, it is the first time since the 1985-86 campaign that Juve have won lo Scudetto without a certain Alessandro Del Piero in their ranks, after their former number 10 embarked on a new adventure to Australia in the wake of winning last year’s (his 7th/9th) title.
Sending his congratulations, whilst simultaneously reflecting on his feelings of what it feels like to be just an observer of the team’s success for the first time in his career, Del Piero posted the following on his personal website:
Since I left Juventus, I’ve never thought what it’d be like to see this team win without me.
I never did, until a few days ago, when the numbers of the rankings secured the second title in a row, after the one of the Great Return.
I tried to imagine it, but in my “film” the images were rather blurred: the final whistle, my friends who rejoice, the cup ready to be lifted, the roar of our supporters. And at this point, with the roar of fans, everything starts to become sharper, and come into focus. The leading actors are the fans. You, guys, are the leading actors.
For those who play football, at least for me, it’s great to see fans rejoice, hear them shout for joy, make them explode with excitement and happiness . That’s why when the “movie” from my mind moved to reality, when Juventus has won again the title (what a nice verb is “to win again” …), my first thought was about those who were celebrating this victory. And this time I am one of them.
I want to applaud to my team mates, to a fantastic team, that will always stay in my heart. A round of applauses to Gigi, who deserved to lift the trophy as captain. I applaud to all who dedicated this triumph to me last year, I’m happy to exchange this gesture: to re-affirm that you are the best is a great challenge. My applauses to the work of the society, to the technical staff, and to all those who work behind the scenes.
Who knows Juventus well, is well aware that it’s just not possible to stop at one victory. You have to win once again. And again and again.
ONE LOVE
Alessandro
