Alessandro Del Piero hopes to "improve Australian football" after joining Sydney FC

Newly signed Sydney FC forward Alessandro Del Piero is delighted to be playing in the A-League and is hopeful of improving Australian football.

The 37-year-old joined Sydney on a two-year contract as a free agent on Wednesday after reportedly refusing a late offer from Liverpool.

"I'm happy to have signed with Sydney and for the next two years I will play with them," said Del Piero.

"A lot of clubs contacted me, Italian teams too and I thank all of them. Today my new adventure starts and my emotions are mixed.

"I thank Sydney for this opportunity and their fans that have already adopted me. I will discover a fantastic city and a fantastic country. I am grateful to my family for being with me at every step of the way."

Del Piero added that he hopes to improve football in Australia.

"I will continue to cheer for Juventus," continued the Italian. "In Australia I will be able to deepen my passion for rugby.

"Above all I'm here to score a lot of goals and to try to improve Australian football with my experiences. I hope Australian people love football."

Del Piero spent 19 years at Juventus, winning Serie A six times and the Coppa Italia and the Champions League once each.