1.) Del Piero is now getting into a trouble!!!AS Roma manager Zdenek Zeman pointed a finger at him for his ability to develop his muscles.Zeman said that Del Piero has used those banned drug.Now,the police is following this case and Del Piero is going to seek damages in a civil court for the slur on his reputation.(August,98)

2.) Del Piero took three questions after testifying before the anti-doping panel of the Italian Olympic Committee(CONI). When a reporter asked if he knew the content of everything he ingested,he said "yes,certainly". When a reporter asked if he felt "doped",he walked out the room without saying a word.(News taken from South China Morning Post in H.K.)(22/8/98)

3.) Del Piero was expelled in a friendly match against RCD Espanyol Barcelona on 21stAugust in Spain.He was represented Juventus and he "slapped" the other player to take revenge.(I think that player who made Alex angry is wrong!--of course I think so)

4.) Juventus defeated AC Millan in Luigi Berlusconi Cup(Opel Cup) before the season 98-99 by 2:1.Del Piero shot a free kick and Inzaghi scored the first goal for Juventus!!!

5.) After the two weeks investigation from the CONI,there is no evidence to show that Del Piero has doped.The CONI shows that the players in Italy have used the non-prescription muscle-builder creatine,an amino acid powder given by their club doctors and it's not a banned drug.(what's a great news!!!)(August 98)

6.) In the latest list for the European Cup qualifier,Del Piero is again in that list. ^o^ (wow,that's so GREAT!!!)(30th August 98)

7.) In the first game of the European Cup qualifier,Italy defeated Wales by 2:0 and Del Piero was in the starting lineup.He had no score in that match.

8.) Juventus is discussing a new contract with Del Piero.The new contract will last for three year starting from 2000.(Since his remaining contract will be ended at 2000)The new contract costs about US$15,000,000.(9thSeptember)

9.) Del Piero is voted to be the best Italian player by the Italian Footballer's Union for the season 97-98. (23rd September,98)

10.)Del Piero is chosen to be the captain of Juventus by his team-mates. (That means he's good to everyone or he is talented? Who knows? But that should be true right? ha ha ^o^) (September,98)

11.)Del Piero is on the list of Team Italian in the match against Switzerland. (6thOctober,98)

12.)Del Piero will be in the starting lineup in the game against Switzerland in the European Cup qualifier.(Inzaghi will be another striker in the starting lineup) (10th October,98)

13.)Thanks for Zoff in trusting Del Piero so that he could bring Italy to the victory in the game against Switzerland! Del Piero scored 2 beautiful (extremely beautiful) goals for Italy so that Italy defeated Switzerland by 2:0. Del Piero escaped from the terrible nightmare of no goals for nearly half year now!!! He scored at 19 and 48 minutes!!! Happy ^o^ (11th October,98)

14.)RUMOUR!!! Arsenal and Barcelona are now willing to pay US $35,000,000 to invite Del Piero to play in their teams. Barcelona is willing to pay US $35,000,000 for signing a 8 years contract. Extract all the taxes, he can earn US $4,250,000 a year!!!(13th October,1998)

15.)Del Piero returns to his best state now! Despite those negative doping rumour and the unhappy moment during the World Cup, Alex is now back to his peak! He scored the first goal for this season!!! Although Juve had to lose mark finally, it's still a good news for me since he is capable to show all the people that he can not only pass the ball but to score! Just wish him to score more and more so that he can be the top scorer in Italy! (19th October,98)

16.)Del Piero's agent will discuss a new contract with the Juve's top and most probably it will be signed at the end of November. Although there are a lot of clubs show interests in this gifted player, Alex still hopes to stay in Juventus for the following years. Juve knows that Alex cannot be paid less than Vieri and so they may pay 6-7 millions liras per year. The new contract will be extended to 2003.(23rd October,98)

17.)Del Piero scored again!!! He scored the only and the most valuable goal for Juventus in order to defeat Inter-Millan! What's a great news for us! This is the second successive series A goal and I hope he'll score more and more goals in the near future! Best Wishes! >.< (26th October,98)

18.)Del Piero will appear on a MTV Awards to present the awards on 12th November in Milano. To see who is the luck person to receive the awards from his hands...^o^ (28th October,98)

18.)Oh no!!! Alex was seriously hurt in the game against Udinese! How can it be like this? Let me check who guy hurt him!!!Angry!!! (9thNovember,98)

19.)Woo woo ~>.<~ Alex got a serious injury in his left knee in the match against Undiese. He has to stay out of the field for at least 5 months! After the swelling in his knee elinimated, he has to seek for a further investigation in order to determine whether he has to undergo operation or not. However, Alex is still being optimistic. He thought that he felt relieved after he knew that his injury was not at the worst stage. He said that the operation will not shorten his recovery period since he has to expect the happening of such unlucky things. Best Wishes Alex! We wait for your return!!! ^o^(11th November,98)



20.)Alex was present in the 5th MTV awards in Fila Forum,Milano in 12th November,98. He took a picture with Donatella Versace!(no picture for now cos I have no scannar at the moment, wait!)

21.)Alex went to the clinic in Lyon, France with his parents on the 13th November. Hope he'll get well soon.(14th November,98)





22.)Alex has to undergo an operation within 2 weeks because of his injury. His left knee legament is torn and so he has to undergo an operation. Hope he'll get well soon!(15th November)

23.)First of all, thanks for the searching from Anita. The guy who hurt Alex in the game of Juve VS Udinese is most probably Marco Zanchi. Anyway, it's just an extra information and don't get angry with anybody cos I think Alex doesn't want his fans to get angry with the others.

24.)Alex went to United Stated to cure his injury yesterday. He will undergo an operation at the Hawkins Clinic in Denver, Colorado which has already conducted operations on two other Italian players, Maurizio Ganz (AC Milan) and Nicola Berti (Inter Milan). His agent and the doctor of the team accompanied him to go to US.(22/11/98)

25.)Alex has undergone the operation and it is expected to have a good recovery. The operation was performed at the Steadman Hawkins clinic in Vail. Alex has to remain in the hospital for 2 to 3 days and stay in Vail for 10 days to 2 weeks. Alex said he was prepared to face a long rehabilitation and "be back to action, stronger than before in the next season". Best wishes to him. ^o^ (29/11/98)

26.)Alex is back to Italy from Washington. The plane left Washington at 18:30(Italian hour).(09/12/98)

27.)Zidane is the 1998 European footballer of the year while Alex is rated as number 16. There are 3 Juve players are in the first 20th players in this award. Besides Zidane and Alex, Davis is the other one.(23/12/98)

28.)Del Piero was questioned by the investors about the dopping again on the 27th of January!!! It's the second times to be questioned by the investors within 5 months. After the 2 hours investigation, Del Piero told the reporters that he only worried about his injury at the moment.(29/01/99)

29.)Del Piero is shocked about the leaving of Lippi--the previous coach for Juventus.
"I was surprised! But it's his decision and you have to accept it."
"I'd like to stress we always backed him, never let him down and always played flat out for him."(18/02/99)

30.)It's 4 months after the injury of Del Piero. He's now under recovery with a satisfactory rate. He's now training himself with his physiotherapist Aldo Esposito checking the progress. Alex works out in the gym inside Stadio Comunale in the morning and goes to Ronchi Verdi Country Club in the afternoon for sessions of swimming, conveyor belt, exercise bycicle, and bycicle. Around Easter, Alex will exercise with the ball and light running. Doctor expects him to be fully fit in July. (Although Alex want to play in Barcelona on 26th May for the Europena Champion League, if Juve can enter the final)(16/03/99)(thanks to Anita)

31.)Alessandro Del Piero will be visited by Dr. Richard Steadman this week somewhere in Europe. This will be the decisive visit that will determine when Del Piero will resume training. (28/03/99)

32.)According to La Repubblica, Del Piero and Juve are almost done in their contract negotiation. Alex will make as much as Ronaldo and Vieri (7 billion liras ~ 4million US$ per year) and will remain in Juve till 2005.(good news to Juve fans!!!) In addition, he will get part of the profits generated by the use of his image in advertisement. (02/04/99)

33.)Del Piero is now ready to start training!!! Alex was visited by Dr. Steadman in Paris, who operated him in Vail,and the response was totally positive. After the Easter break, it seems, Alex will start to train with the rest of the team and there is even a small chance that he may be fit for May 26th (Champions League Final in Barcelona). Such a good news for both Alex and his fans!!!(02/04/99)

34.)There is something about what Del Piero's thought about the world cup. He admitted that he still has regrets about France 98, where his below-par performances contributed to Italy's quarterfinal exit.
The Juventus striker's troubles started in last season's final, when a year of prolific goalscoring ended in defeat to Real Madrid and an injury which also helped to ruin his World Cup in France.
"I do think about it from time to time," he said. "I'd hoped it would finish very differently to the way it did." (02/04/99)

35.) Out of football since damaging knee ligaments last November, he is now praying for a semifinal victory for Juventus over Manchester United that could yet see him return for the final in Barcelona on May 26.
"It would be great to be able to say in a few months' time that my troubles started in one European Champions League final and finished in another," he told Guerin Sportivo magazine. "It would be marvellous."
"And I want to believe it could happen, even though that won't shorten my recovery time." And he admitted: "The conditions would have to be right even for me to be on the substitutes' bench."
As for the battle with Alex Ferguson's men, which starts next week, he said: "We know that it's going to be tough against Manchester United. But if Juventus play like they can, that will be enough."(02/04/99)

36.)How's Alex's life now? "I'm living it in a positive, optimistic way," he said. "In times like this, you develop as a person, you reach for the strength and the motivation you have inside you, and it makes you realise how important, and how unimportant, certain things are."
"One thing is for certain, I'll be different when I come back," he said. "Probably with a stronger personality." (02/04/99)

37.)"The hope is to join the rest of the squad for the start of pre-season training in July," he said. "The dream, though, is something else. But do I have to repeat it?" (No you don't have to repeat it cos we all know that you want to play in the final in Barcelona. We hope you will be on the field as soon as possible!!!)(02/04/99)

38.)This is another news about the contract of Alex with Juve. Juve provides a 5 year contract with him which costs $US 22,000,000. Club Atletico Madrid in Spain is attracting the entry of Alex by giving him a lot of good criteria. Because of this "temtation", Juve gives $US 4,400,000 per year to Alex. Alex only has 2 weeks to consider whether he will sign that contract or not. But it seems that there is a great chance for the stay of him. (By Apple Daily in Hong Kong)(12/04/99)

39.)Thanks for Anita again! Juventus said to the press that Del Piero will NOT be on sale or be sold to Atletico Madrid!!! However, his contract is indeed going to an end. Juve would never let the risk to the possibility for the leaving of Alex. Luckily, it seems that Alex will sign the contact in the near future... (14/04/99)

40.)I'm not so sure about this news but I just put it in this page. There is rumour that Alex has rejected the new contract with Juve. It seems that Inter has interest at him... Anyway, I don't believe this news at all cos Alex has never claimed that he wants to leave Juve. Everything is good to him in Juve and I can't think of any reason for him to leave. I'll tell you the latest news of his contract and just keep your eyes on my page. (29/04/99)

41.)This news was from a Spanish newspaper(Marca). Alex's agent, Claudio Pasqualin, was asked whether Alex would like to play in Real Madrid. He replied that Real Madrid is only one of the teams who is interested at him. Lazio, Inter, Milan and Barcelona also want to invite Alex. However, there is still a gap between Juve and Alex on the economic side. Real Madrid has made an offer to Alex... Hope Juve can make him stay...(14/05/99)

42.)"Alex is going to stay in Juve for at least another season." said by the club director general Luciano Moggi.
"Del Piero is staying with Juve," said Moggi. "I know that he is widely sought after by many prestigious clubs, but I'm convinced that he will stay at Juve." Oh... cool!!!(14/05/99)

43.)The Bianconeri number 10 is offering financial backing to a new hospital in the Albanian capital Tirana.
"We are proud of this because a footballer should not solely be judged by what he does on the field, but by how he conducts himself off it," the paper says. "Alex's (Del Piero) feet may be among the most precious in the world, but we can still say his real value is elsewhere." ...Of course!(14/05/99)

44.)Alex played in a training match for 15 minutes and scored one goal! "It's an important day for both Alex and Juve!" said by Carlo Ancelotti(the coach). (14/05/99)

45.)There is a news of Alex as follow. Del Piero can play the practice game with his teammates now and he's able to run. Although he was injured seriously, he will be able to get normal practice with his teammates in July. (17/05/99)

46.)There was a meeting on Alex's contract with Juve(dunno the exact day... sorry... but it's around 21/5). The meeting lasted for about 3 hours. Although no compromise was made, there was indeed a progress. Up until now the two parties have reached agreement on one thing only - the length of the contract - five years This would mean the attacker staying with Juventus until 30 June 2004. (21/05/99)

47.)Alex spoke in front of millions of people on a quiet spring evening on a programme chaired by Piccinini on Italia1.
"If Juventus had been successful, it was my greatest dream to play in the final of the Champions League, even though I don't think we could have risked such a hurried comeback". said by Alex.
"I am worried by the rumours going round: many think that thebig teams win because of powerful backing. Well, Juventus and I have lost two Champions League finals: one because of an offside goal; the other because two penalties were not granted. Anyway we have turned over a new leaf and will not dwell on the past". Good thinking!
So what is the hardest time of his injury? "The worst was during the matches especially during the home games. You can see your fans in the stadium, your friends are there and you can't play - it's very painful".
If he feels responsible for the bad performance of Juve? "If I have been missed by my team, I should be flattered. Although I know that the team did their very best up until the end". said by Alex sharply.
Giampiero Mughini, famous writer and permanent guest on the programme viewed by most in Italy, questioned the player on his future and his contract. "A thousand lire or eight hundred for Juve? I have grown up wearing these colours and it is a great honour wearing Number 10. This obviously has great influence on my decision as well as the money. It is also very important to be able to rely on a company like mine with whom I share great aspect. The saying "grabbing the bull by the horns" is very clear and answers any doubts that have filled the newspapers recently."
"I will definitely win more with Juventus than with Atletico Madrid, so it is more sensible for me to stay where I am".
What is his opinion to Lippi, the former coarch? "We all respected his decision to leave. In the end he gave us all he had and his experience ended with us. I can understand the fans' view that see him transferring to Inter after all that has been said lately, but this is football...."
"Which is the player I feel most comfortable with? Definitely Di Livio. I played with him in Padova, I have had to bear him for eight years... Which player would I give an Oscar to? I have always liked Weah, without a doubt...."

48.)There is rumour that Alex finally says "yes" to the contract with Juve! Though a lot of image problems in these months, the 2 parties have finally dealt with the matters. Del Piero would earn Lit 9.5 billion [€4.9 million; $5.7 million] per season for 5 years, he would keep his current personal contracts (Adidas, Pepsi, etc.), and will earn a small percentage for each new contract that Juve will offer him through its sponsors. (19/06/99)

49.)Here is the latest news about the contract of Juve and Alex. Del Piero and his agent will go to the headquarters in Piazza Crimea to sign the contract. His salary will be around 9.5 billion liras per season for 5 years and he will share the money of sponsor by half with Juve.

50.)Hey Del Piero has signed a new contract with Juve for 5 years on the 29th June 1999!!! This contract makes Alex become one of the highest paid players in the world! He will earn US$ 5,000,000 per year. (start from next season) There is an increase in his wages each year and he approximately will earn US$ 5,900,000 in 2004. oh... cool news!!!(01/07/99)

51.)Something about Alex after he has signed the contract. He gave a press conference after he had signed his contract. He, together with his 2 agents Pasqualinand D'Amico, as well as his brother Stefano, told the press the good news of Juve fans.
"I'm very, very happy. The club and I are going to work together, not just from the competitive point of view but also in terms of the image. I know I have signed something very important for my life: five years mean everything and includes the period of my maturity and yet the desire to stay at Juve has always been stronger than the problems that I have had to solve to bring this difficult negotiation to an end."
"Additional responsibilities? The responsibilities are the same as ever, the difference being that now I've been changed and moulded by the experience of eight months off the pitch".
It seems that Alex is happy with his salary. "The prices for a footballer now follow the market laws but for me the money wasn't the main point. Obviously the money will enable me to have an easy life but it isn't everything."
"An NBA-type contract? I'd like to meet some of them. I? After the win in Tokyo I said I wanted to reach the top and, if I said that, it wasthanks to the drawing force of the love for this sport. A sport which I miss incredibly, that I can't wait to get back to playing." And now you're back!
How is his injury now? It seems it's no longer a big problem to him... "I've started to train now and hope to be almost up there with the others by 10 July. It's just a matter of getting a new ligament used to certain stresses and movements."
Del Piero says he never doubted the successful outcome of this deal: "I didn't ever think that it wouldn't come off. At the beginning it may be a struggle but I hope that the club will continue to believe in me." I think they will!
"The same goes for the fans, I don't think I'll have to win them over again. It's just a pity that certain team-mates and friends have gone.I'll have to find another room-mate now that Di Livio's gone. It'll be my second goal after getting back on the pitch?"
"I still believe in loyalty even if many players no longer do. I don't think I'm old-fashioned just because I'm tying myself to Juventus for a total of eleven years, on the contrary. I'm certain that wearing this shirt is my one great wish and I wouldn't do it if I didn't know that the club wants it too - they've shown they want to invest in me." (06/07/99)

52.)Inside the Turin daily we find Del Piero's reaction. "I only ever wanted to play for Juve," he says. "I never thought about the money but about my life: my heart was beating when I signed. Now the only thing which really interests me is getting back to playing football. I miss it terribly. It's my greatest wish. I hope to make it for the beginning of the championship, I think that's a realistic forecast. In any case I won't be rushed, nor will Ancelotti." (06/07/99)

53.)Here is a news of Pippo(ha ha... you may wonder why...) According to Apple Daily, Inzaghi anticipates that he, together with Alex, will have 60+ scores in the next season. Hey you're great!(17/07/99)

54.)This is the latest news of Alex. Do you know where is him recently? He is now in a high mountain in Italy where he has to take a camp of training.(17/07/99)

55.)Alex will play in the first of a series of friendlies that Ancelotti has organised especially for him on Monday.It will be in the Stadio Perucca in Saint-Vincent, against a Valle D'Aosta XI.(17/07/99)

56.)Alex's work schedule is reviewed on a daily basis and he cannot say whether he will only be playing in friendlies over the summer or, later on, in the Intertoto Cup.
"In terms of technical and tactical training, I'm following the same programme as the rest of the squad," he explains. "I've obviously got a personalised programme in the gym, as everyone has, that takes into account the need to strengthen my left leg." (17/07/99)

57.)Del Piero speaks about how he first felt when crashing into a team-mate on the field: "I acted normally but immediately afterwards I had amoment's hesitation - I looked at my left leg and realised everything was OK. It was an important moment."
Positive, indeed excellent, signs. Alex feels sure of himself but knows his return will not be a bed of roses. However, he does not think it will take him a whole season to get back to his best.
"I don't think it'll be a year of transition for me, twelve months is going a bit far."
8 November last year is a long way away now but Del Piero quips: "Perhaps I'll ask not to play on that date!" (17/07/99)

58.)As I've mentioned before, Del Piero is now on the Italian Alps for training before the next season. He scored the second goal for Juventus in a match against V. D'Aosta. (The result was 2:0) (21/07/99)

59.)Del Piero will take the field at 5.30pm in the Perucca stadium in Saint-Vincent!!! This is the first game of a series of friendlies that the coach, Ancelotti, assigned especially for him. This provides him a chance to run in the field and access his progress.
Alex understands that he has still to play carefully. "Getting back to full athletic training will not be all a bed of roses, but I am prepared for that. I am now training alongside my team-mates from a technical point of view and on tactics. I have a personalised programme in the gym as everyone does." He will be back to the A-series on 29th August.(21/07/99)

60.)Hey welcome back Alex!!! Alex has scored one in the game against Russians Rostselmash Rostov in the Intertoto Cup semi-final second leg on Wednesday. The final result is 5:1 (Pippo scored 3...wow!)
It was the first competition game after his almost 300 days injury(and also a mild flu). He was substitued in 55 minutes. In 65th minutes, he set up Pippo's second goal. In 76th minutes, Pippo returned a nice chance to Alex and that's the goal!!! (06/08/99)

61.)Del Piero said that this was the return he was dreaming of and that he had a lot of fun. (and also the fantastic goal!)
Here are Alessandro Del Piero's numbers from yesterday's game:
Minutes played: 37
Shots on goal: 1
Shots wide: 3
Goals: 1
Assists: 1
Balls touched: 19
Successful passes: 7
Wrong passes: 2
Fouls made: 2
Fouls against: 3 (06/08/99)

62.)How's Alex think of his amazing performance?
"I am very satisfied" said Del Piero as he left the dressing rooms after a performance which exceeded expectations: "I dreamt of a night like this, but in reality it went better than I could have imagined."
Alex went on: "From the point of view of fitness it went perfectly, but there is still room for improvement. I wasn't at all worried. When Bessertnyl fouled me I was only angry because you shouldn't go in like that." (06/08/99)

63.)Here is an interview of Alex. I read it from the local newspaper Apple Daily(HK). Now I'm trying to translate it into English.
Q: What is more important -- money or success in football?
A: It's no doubt that money is very important but it's not invincible. It can't buy the honour in the field.
Q: Have you returned to your highest state?
A: I hope I can be back to the field in the begining of the season, although it's just an anticipation. I won't urge Ancelotti, our coach, to put me on the stating lineup. Now my feeling is good. I can do a lot of exercises like tennis, basketball, beach volley ball ect. It's unbelievable that I can do this when compare to 9 months before, I could only play the gambling cards.
Q: What is the most unforgettable moment in the last 9 months?
A: I won't forget all the caring for my fans. I received a lot of caring letters. Some are even willing to give me their knees and I can't believe it! Thanks for all your caring! (06/08/99)

64.)Del Piero scored one and this fantastic goal leaded to the glory of Juventus for being the winner of the Berlusconi Trophy. He scored the only goal of the game in the first half (19minutes).
A satisfied Alex said: "It's always a good feeling to win at the San Siro and I was very happy with the applause I received when I went off."
Juventus defeated AC Milan for 1:0 in this game. (21/08/99)

65.)ROME, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Italy coach Dino Zoff resisted the temptation to bring Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero back into his squad on Tuesday and gave Parma midfielder Paolo Vanoli a call-up instead. Hey how come??? Alex is reaching to his highest state and hope he will be back to Italian nation team in the near future. (This is rather an old news but just add it to be a reference in future) (Received at 31/08/99 updated at 02/10/99)

66.)What did Juve coach think about the exclusion of Alex in the team Italia? Carlo Ancelotti said: "Looking at it from aselfish point of view, I am happy that he is staying behind in Turin. He can get on with some work on his fitness and be around his team-mates. There will be less pressure on him. I also think it is the right thing to happen because he has only just come back and it is too important a game. The in-form players should get their chance. Del Piero is a key player and, as such, he is worth waiting for." (Received at 31/08/99 updated at 02/10/99)

67.)According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Del Piero feels ready to rejoin the Italian squad. He tells the Milan-based daily that he is pleased with all the compliments about his form, but that Dino Zoff, coach of the national side, has made the right decision. "For the next match," he added, "I'll be there too..." Juventus club doctor, Agricola and athletic coach Ventrone are both interviewed for their opinion, and reveal all about Del Piero's exercise programme which will bring the Bianconeri's number 10 back to the peak of his condition. (I received this news at 02/09/99 updated at 02/10/99)