THE KNIGHT AND THE OLD LADY

The knight and the Old Lady. It seems like the title of a medieval novel, but it´s really a modern story. A romantic and emotional story. The story between Alex Del Piero and Juventus. A nineteen year old relationship that started in 1993 when the president of Juventus was Giampiero Boniperti - another emblem of the black and white club' story. In those days Del Piero was shy and skinny but he was already talented. 19 years full of many successes, disgracefules (terrible knee injury and Serie B) like in a true and long marriage. Del Piero has scored 318 goals surpassing every record in Juventus´ story. Del Piero is the fotball player that is most loved by Juventus supporters. More than Platini, more than Zidane, and more than Omar Sivori. Del Piero IS Juventus and Juventus IS Del Piero. 

The knight faithful to the Old Lady also when she did't seem so attractive (when Juve was relagated in Serie B) and many other young pretenders tried to seduce him. And the old lady was faithful to the knight also when he didn't seem so strong anymore because of the terrible knee injury in 1999 that could stop Del Piero´s carreer. An undissolubile union so far at least through 19 years. A romantic story comes to an end. The problem is that the divorce forcasted for next year isn´t consensual. Del Piero in fact still wants to love and to defend the old lady. He feels good and strong enough to prepare the return in Campions League with Juventus despite his almost 38 years. His fantastic performances against Milan and Inter in the last weeks have showed us that Del Piero is right. He can continue his carrer. He´s still able to score significant and decisive goals. The problem is that the old lady aim to renew her image with young football players trying to find the new Del Piero. Juventus´ president, Andrea Agnelli announced some months ago during a reunion of Juventus shareholders that this season  will be Del Piero´s last season in Juventus. A  "urbi et orbi" statement that wounded the tender heart of the the strong knight Del Piero. Juventus isn´t anymore the old lady he met almost 20 years ago. At that time football was more romantic and values still existed. The old lady was a faithful wife with whom you spent the whole life with. 

Now football is business and the club are focused on turnover and profit. No space for feelings anymore. so Juve just think about their future. A future without Del Piero from next year on. In my view this is mistake for two at least two reasons: 1) Del Piero has showed able to sit on the bench without complaints  and he has showed to be ready when Conte puts him in the field - scoring decisive goals. 2) Del Piero presence in the locker room is charismatic and his figure is able to lead the young football players teaching them what playing for Juventus means. Del Piero is a monument that commands respect and mantains order in a team full of new aspiring leaders. These are the reasons why I think it would be right that the knight and the old lady stay toghether also without the passion of a time ago. It´s only another year. 20 years sounds better than 19.