They say that a picture is worth a thousand words and few images can match this one for its significance, emotion and spectacle.
In a moment and snapshot that will be instantly recognisable to any Juventus fan for years to come, Alessandro Del Piero salutes the Santiago Bernabeu following a typically virtuoso match-winning performance on 5 November 2005, welcomed by a standing ovation from all corners of one of the world’s most atmospheric and historic footballing arenas.
A heartfelt and communal applause from supporters not only of Juventus and Real Madrid but of football fans as a whole akin to the one seen in Madrid ten years ago would seem an equally fitting way to honour the Bianconero legend on this, the day of his 41st birthday.
In a Juve career spanning 19 years, Del Piero wrote his name not only in the history books of Italy’s most successful club for his sustained goalscoring brilliance and long-serving loyalty to the Old Lady but also for his national team, with whom he memorably won the World Cup in 2006.
Alessandro’s Bianconeri story will forever be one of breath-taking strikes, crucial assists and trophy-laden success and as such, it is with great pleasure that everyone involved with Juventus Football Club wishes him many happy returns on his special day.
Happy Birthday, Alessandro Del Piero.