Finally, We Can Stop Talking About Juve Contracts

As Roberto reported yesterday, Alex Del Piero and his brother and assorted Juventus figureheads and kingpins (each one of whom Del Piero thanked by name in his press conference) finally came to an agreement, and he’s staying at Juve through 2010, at which time he’ll be 412. Oh, I kid. No matter his age, Del Piero is a Juve icon, and though the whole process has seemed incredibly disrespectful of the man and his service to the club, the fact that it’s finally sorted must be a massive relief to most of his teammates, as well as to the zillions of Juve fans across the globe.

Though Juve caved during their contract negotiations with David Trezeguet, Pavel Nedved and Mauro Camoranesi, they apparently stood firm with Del Piero, and it’s being widely reported that he accepted the pay cut they’ve been demanding since summer. Rather than the €5 million/season his current contract dictates, the extension will have Del Piero’s salary dropping each season by a confusingly figured 20% — not sure how the match works, but next season he’s expected to earn “only” €3.8 million/season, with a further decrease during the 2009-2010 season.

While the details of the finances haven’t been confirmed by the club, in addition to the pay cut, it’s understood that there’s something in the contract about image rights and Del Piero’s ownership of his own, a clause that can potentially make up that lost 20% and then some, and probably explains his about-face on the salary issue. Does this mean we’re going to start seeing Alex Del Piero tshirts, and mugs, and bikinis, and wine popping up in Nike Town? Fingers crossed, people! Fingers crossed.

First things first, though: Let’s see if he can get back into the team this weekend. After that, we’ll get to the merchandising.

Category: Juventus, Rumors & News, Serie A

Tags: Juventus, Rumors & News, Serie A

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