Alessandro Del Piero against No 10 shirt retirement

In a rare display of humility from a top level professional footballer, Alessandro Del Piero has turned down a proposal by the Juventus board to retire his number 10 shirt.


Alessandro Del Piero waves to supporters on his last appearance for Juventus Photo: Getty Images

Del Piero retired from professional football at the end of the season, having ended his career with a Scudetto and an unbeaten league campaign with his beloved Juventus.

The Old Lady were understood to be keen to retire the 37-year-old's number 10 jersey as a tribute to his efforts and accomplishments during a decorated 18-year career.

However, Del Piero, according to his team-mate Andrea Pirlo, did not want to see his number withdrawn from service.

Pirlo told Sky Italia: "Juventus wanted to retire the number 10 shirt now that Alessandro is leaving the club, but he asked them not to do so.

"I agree with his decision. It's unthinkable that someone will be up to Del Piero's legacy soon, but I am sure someone will, in the future."

Only a few weeks ago, Schalke 04 announced that they were to retire Raúl's No 7 short after the Spaniard had spent just two season in the Bundesliga.

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