“Let’s look forward to the final between Italy and Belgium in the European Cup”

He is one of the two captains of the charity match that will be held at Sclessin this Sunday at 8 pm. Alessandro Del Piero is the protagonist of this match Circus Cup is expected to bring back sweet memories for football fans. Pierre Locht, CEO of Standard, which organizes the event, did not make any mistakes when introducing the legend with him. “The Circus Cup is a special and unique show of its kind. It is the opportunity to see at the Sclacin Stadium those players who made their mark in international football. Even if we know that our situation is complicated. » He would not say any more, however. The event of the day was marked by the presence of the former Italian world champion.

“I am very happy to come to Liège to play. But be careful, do not expect me to play like I did 20 years ago (laughs),” immediately warns Alex Del Piero, already focused on the upcoming meeting. “Even if at the beginning everyone says it is a friendly, pleasant match… after 10 minutes, I can assure you that the situation has changed and everyone wants to win. » He also sends a message to his opponent Edgar Davids, who he considers to be in better form than him: “At the time, he was already very strong. But football is more than physics… Fortunately for me it is! »

2000 European Cup and the Devils

For the former Bianconeri number ten, the tournament is first of all a chance to return to Belgium, a country he has visited only once in his career and of which he does not have many good memories, thanks to the Euro 2000 final in Rotterdam (editor’s note). “But let’s move on, these are things that happen in life”, the former national team player would well say. “There is a very big Italian community in Belgium. We are happy to see our fans. »

Del Piero also made a prediction about the winners of the next European Championship. “Everyone is afraid of the quality and quantity of players in France.” However, the 2006 world champion insists on a shorter tournament. She is the one who can make the difference because “you have to be perfect from the beginning to the end”. Belgian European champion? “Let’s look forward to the final between Italy and Belgium,” Del Piero replied simply, comparing the two teams. “Italy is a perfect example of a team you don’t expect but which can surprise with its big heart, good players and a great coach. Everything is there, but it all depends on the situation Belgium finds itself in. You have incredible players like Kevin De Bruyne, who is one of the best every season. He is an exceptional player. » The Italian admires the player very much and he will praise his qualities in answering every question about the Red Devils.

A unique opportunity

On Sunday, Sclasin will discuss the Red Devils’ problems. At least from the former Devils Daniel van Buyten and Marouane Fellaini will be in attendanceThe mayor of Seraing, Déborah Géradon, recalled that the meeting was first and foremost of a charitable nature, with the city receiving the proceeds from the tournament. “Football is the most popular sport, but unfortunately it is not the most accessible. That is why we will invest in infrastructure starting in September.”

Supporters will thus be able to fulfill the dream of meeting their idols from their youth while being part of a great project. The number of tickets sold so far also indicates the success for the audience. “We have sold 10,000 places. We expect a lot of enthusiasm for next Sunday.” As Del Piero says, who has clearly become accustomed to the Belgian weather: “The weather looks good. Everything is coming together for a magical time.”