NEW YORK — Another question about MLS and a possible future in Major League Soccer. And another vague, noncommittal response from Italian soccer legend Alessandro Del Piero.
Following his team’s 1-0 win over Mexican side Club América on Tuesday night in front of thousands of adoring Juventus fans who reserved the loudest ovations for him, Del Piero was asked about a possible move to the USA.
HIGHLIGHTS: JUV 1, CA 0
As he was being moved on by a club representative, he stopped and went out of his way to answer the question.
“I follow the US and MLS and I love the United States,” he said. “In the summer, I come here for vacation. And now my head is concentrated for the Juventus and then we start the season just right now. I have to think about [the upcoming Italian season].”
The follow-up was a variation on the original question. Is a move by Del Piero a possibility for the future? The soon-to-be 37-year-old had a clever answer for the reporters in the Citi Field mixed zone, which was accompanied by a smile.
“I don’t know,” he said. “I’m so young I can’t think for the future.”
It was practically a foregone conclusion that Del Piero would be part of the 2011-12 season for Juventus, a landmark campaign in which they are set to open a new stadium. He penned a one-year deal with The Old Lady back in May, securing a staggering 19th season for the current Juve captain.
He wore the captain’s armband again on Tuesday night against América, joining the starting XI for a 73-minute stint which was unremarkable for the former Italian national-team player, save for a first-half shot which he lofted a few feet over the crossbar.
“It was a difficult, hard game for us,” Del Piero said. “I must say it was a good game when it comes to the physical and technical aspects. … Both teams played well for me.”
The Juventus road show next moves to Raleigh, N.C., where you can be sure of two things: The applause will be greatest for Del Piero and someone is bound to once again pose the question that will continue to trail him — until it’s answered.
