Alessandro Del Piero has been voted Italian Sports Personality of the Year and admits he hasn’t lost hope of winning the Ballon d’Or.
The Juventus captain topped the RAI poll with 58 per cent of the vote, crushing MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi’s total of 18 per cent.
“It is a wonderful recognition and I am pleased that the public, a huge part of this sport, gave me this title,” he told TG1.
“I am happy with what I have achieved this year, the way I am playing and what has happened around me.”
The Bianconeri star has already put two goals past Real Madrid this season and his next Champions League test is Chelsea.
“There are always going to be very strong sides at this stage of the competition, including outsiders who overcame the first phase finding quality and cohesion that allows them to fight it out with the bigger clubs. Everyone is dangerous.”
If Del Piero impresses again at Stamford Bridge, he could become a contender for the 2009 Ballon d’Or.
“It depends on how our Champions League campaign goes. Why not think big? You need to have ambition for the biggest trophies.
“I don’t feel old because I love my work and am happy to do well. While I manage to retain a certain level of quality, I can continue to play.
“Do I have a message for Marcello Lippi? Yes, Merry Christmas! The 2010 World Cup is an objective of mine and I feel a part of the Nazionale.”
The veteran has broken records in the Juventus history books and will always have a space in its pages, but he’s not sure if he wants to return to age 20.
“What I achieved was done with enthusiasm and results, but I am happy with the moment I am going through now and content with the age I am. Thankfully, I’ve never thought of quitting.”
What does the future hold for Del Piero? Juventus directors suggest he could become a Coach.
“I have no idea, in all honesty I have not thought about it yet.”
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