TURIN (Italy), Sept 5: Former Italy and Juventus forward Alessandro Del Piero is joining Sydney FC in a deal that will make him the highest-profile player in the A-League.

“I’m happy to announce that a few hours ago I signed a deal with the Sydney Football Club,” Del Piero said on Wednesday. “So for the next two years I suppose I can say that I’ll be Australian. I’m starting a splendid and fantastic adventure. I couldn’t have chosen a better situation or a better place.”

The two-year deal is reportedly worth $2 million per season, which will make Del Piero the highest paid athlete in Australia’s four football codes, including rugby league, rugby union and Australian Rules.

The 37-year-old Del Piero reportedly turned down offers from English Premier League clubs Liverpool and Southampton.

“We touched all the continents,” Del Piero said. “This choice is far away in terms of kilometres but it’s very close in terms of philosophy. ... I can’t wait to go and discover a country that everyone describes to me as fantastic.”

Del Piero was also linked with moves to the Middle East, China, Argentina, the United States and Switzerland. “It will be a big change for me after 19 years with a team which I will continue to support,” Del Piero said. “I’ve done all I could have done here and there couldn’t be a better choice for me.”—AP