Alessandro Del Piero: Celebrating Il Capitano On His 35th Birthday

In a world where loyalty means very little, Alessandro Del Piero have showcased just the opposite by staying true to the club closest to his heart for a sensational 16 seasons.

The captain, who today celebrates his 35th birthday, has grown to become one of the club’s greatest – if not the greatest – of all time. He doesn’t just represent Juventus, he is Juventus.

Del Piero has written many memorable pages of Juve’s history books over the years ever since his debut in 1993. Il Capitano has won no less than 16 titles with the Bianconeri and Italy. On top of that, he’s broken all sorts of previous records with his 262 goals and 604 appearances – honors most players can only dream about.

Anyone can be a hero during the successful times, but it’s when difficult moments arises that real heroes are separated from the rest. With his humble approach, Del Piero is one of those real heroes – especially considering that he’s always acted with the outmost of class and professionalism with whatever that has been thrown his way.

Such as the turbulent time during the Calciopoli scandal.

While several of his team mates demanded transfers, Del Piero spoke of his love for the club. As most of the team’s star players jumped ship, Del Piero along with Gigi Buffon, Pavel Nedved, Mauro Camoranesi and David Trezeguet remained behind and pledged to take Juventus back to the top once more.

“The Agnelli family deserves this, as do the fans and the new directors. Besides, a gentleman never deserts his lady,” Del Piero said.

The No.10 is probably one of the classiest players to ever have graced the field and with his gentleman manners both on and off the field he’s earned the respect of not only his own supporters, but that of the opposing sides as well.

Last season Juventus returned to the European scene after a two-year absence – with Il Capitano leading the way. Del Piero was once again back to his best as his sensational performances earned victories in the high-profile double fixture with Real Madrid. Such is the greatness of the talismanic player that he received standing ovations from the home crowd after downing the Spaniards in their own backyards. Only a handful of players have managed that feat while playing on the opposing side at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The captain has only featured a mere ten minutes this season due to a persistent injury, but is set to make his anticipated return after the international break. That the team has missed the presence of their leader on the pitch has been obvious on one too many occasions this season.

The versatile player, with his sensational vision and creativity, has been the one to take the team out of a tight spot many times, no matter if he scores the goals or produces them. The captain has always stepped out to take responsibility when needed and carried the team on his shoulders when the time has called for it.

There will always be those who claim that Del Piero is past his expiration date, but don’t let his age fool you. What he lacks in speed he makes up through other qualities. Just remember that both of his Capocannoniere titles came in the past three years.

There are only a few players that have spent their entire professional careers in one club. Even less has demonstrated the same kind of loyalty through the selfless acts which Del Piero has. He will always be more than a footballer to the Juventini faithful.

And when he retires, a legend in every sense of the word will remain.

But that’s not for another few years.

Happy birthday, Il Capitano.