[D-Kin]

Juventus director general Jean-Claude Blanc has spoken of his delight at Alessandro Del Piero’s decision to commit his future to the Bianconeri.

After 14 years with the Old Lady, relations soured during tense contract talks and it had been feared that Alex may even quit Turin.

However, the Juve captain agreed to extend his contract until 2010 last night with reports suggesting that he has accepted a 20 per cent pay cut.

“It is an important result for the future of Juventus,” Blanc beamed after the announcement late last night.

“The agreement with Del Piero proves our ambition and our trust in a player of such great value who will continue to give his experience to help the squad and its millions of fans.

“He is a world champion, a model professional and a top-class player who will continue to write new chapters in the club’s history.”

The agreement will also shut down the rumour mill, which had been working overtime since Del Piero’s future came into question.

Despite his obvious love for Juve, the 32-year-old had been linked with Milan, Palermo, Brescia and even Queens Park Rangers in recent weeks.

channel4.com - Football Italia