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Del Piero to participate in J-League charity match
Jul 16, 2012 3:10:00 PM
The former Juventus man will join a team of players hailing from areas affected by last year's natural disasters against an all-star selection at Kashima Stadium
Alessandro Del Piero will participate in Saturday's J-League Special Match at Kashima Stadium.The former Juventus man is expected to join the 'Team as One' side of players from the Tohoku of Japan affected by last year's natural disasters, which will face off against a fan-chosen selection of J-League stars.
"I'm finally coming back to Japan for the first time in a while, and I feel blessed to have the opportunity," Del Piero wrote on his official Japanese blog. "I'm looking forward to meeting all of the fans who have given me love and support throughout my career.
"I'm glad that I can appear in this match to help support those who suffered from the disasters and the towns and cities that are rebuilding."
The 37-year-old is especially attached to the Land of the Rising Sun, having played there for Juventus in the 1996 Toyota Cup (now Club World Cup) as well as the 2002 World Cup. Following the disasters, he raised around €250,000 through his charity.
Del Piero has reportedly attracted offers from clubs in Japan, Thailand and the United States since leaving Juventus in May.
Saturday's match will kick off at 12:00CEST.
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