World Football Gossip Roundup: Alessandro Del Piero, Frank Lampard, Burak Yilmaz

This Friday edition of the B/R World Football Gossip Roundup is a mixed lot.

Remember Alessandro Del Piero signing for Sydney FC back in the summer? There was a chance he could have joined Liverpool, and now he's letting us know why he didn't.

Speaking of Liverpool, the Reds are short of strikers and new boss Brendan Rodgers is reportedly targeting a new one in the January transfer window.

Inside, we also have updates on the 2022 World Cup, Frank Lampard and Patrick Herrmann. Keep reading for all the details.

Del Piero Turned Down Liverpool Because of Heysel?

Legendary Italian forward Alessandro Del Piero turned down a chance to join Liverpool this past summer because of the club's involvement in the Heysel tragedy (via Daily Mail).

Del Piero, 37, signed with Australian club Sydney FC instead, following a 19-year career with Juventus.

In 1985, 39 Juventus fans died before the start of the European Cup final between Juventus and Liverpool after a wall collapsed in the Heysel Stadium in Belgium.

Del Piero said:

"

Why I said no to Liverpool? Negotiations with Sydney were already advanced and then I thought about what had happened at Heysel.

Juve and Liverpool were able to rebuild the relationship, but for many people that tragedy is an indelible memory. I thank all the clubs which wanted me, but I’m convinced of my choice.

"

De Boer: Move 2022 World Cup to Winter

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar should be moved to winter, bid ambassador Ronald de Boer said on Thursday (via Daily Telegraph).

FIFA awarded the 2022 World Cup to Qatar in 2010. Summer temperatures in Qatar exceed 40C (104F), and De Boer said moving the tournament to the winter would help players.

Such a move would disrupt European leagues, but De Boer pointed to the African Nations Cup, which is played in winter. He added that the United States' Major League Soccer plays a different schedule than the rest of the world.

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I think all the bodies should come together to find a common solution and try also to change. It’s very easy to stick with the old thing because we’ve done it already for years.

I have said to the supreme committee, ‘I would do it in the winter’. But they can’t say that.

"

De Boer, 42, is a former Netherlands international who played at the club level for Ajax, Barcelona and Rangers.

MLS Commissioner: Frank Lampard Would Be Welcome Here

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber has said Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard would be welcome in the league, should he wish to end his career in the United States (via Daily Mirror).

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Lampard, 34, has been linked with a transfer to the Los Angeles Galaxy, the same club of former England teammate David Beckham.

Frank Lampard's a great player. He has a great history with the sport. If he decides he wants to play in Major League Soccer, I'm sure any club would be happy to have him on their roster.

…

I'll go into the locker room and see if I can chat him up.

"

Garber added that Lampard would probably be a designated player. The designated player rule allows MLS clubs to sign high-profile players for higher salaries without going over the league's salary cap.

Liverpool Interested in Burak Yilmaz?

Liverpool are considering a move for Turkish forward Burak Yilmaz (via talkSPORT).

Yilmaz, 27, joined Galatasaray from Trabzonspor in July after reportedly drawing interest from Tottenham and West Ham. He scored 33 goals last season and is reportedly valued around £13 million.

Liverpool forward Fabio Borini, who signed with the club from Roma during the summer, suffered a fractured foot this week on international duty with Italy (via Daily Telegraph). Luis Suarez is now the club's only senior striker still fit.

Tottenham Interested in Patrick Herrmann?

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Patrick Herrmann (via The Sun).

Herrmann, 21, is a German Under-21 international. Inter Milan are also thought to be interested.

Herrmann is valued around £7.5 million.

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