Alessandro Del Piero: 'I turned down Liverpool move'

Sydney FC striker Alessandro Del Piero has revealed that he rejected a move to Liverpool in favour of the Australian club.

Del Piero left Juventus in the summer after 19 years at the Italian club and he has admitted that the 1985 Heysel Stadium disaster played a huge part in his decision to reject a move to Anfield.

Del Piero told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Why I said no to Liverpool? Negotiations with Sydney were already advanced and then I thought about what had happened at Heysel.

"Juve and Liverpool were able to rebuild the relationship, but for many people that tragedy is an indelible memory. I thank all the clubs which wanted me, but I'm convinced of my choice."

The 37-year-old scored 290 goals in 705 appearances for Juventus.