Celtic missed out on signing Alessandro Del Piero as Italian World Cup winner couldn’t bear facing Juventus in Champions League
The Italian legend has previously admitted he held discussions with the Hoops after leaving Juve in 2012 but he has now revealed exactly why he turned them down
ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO has revealed why he turned down Celtic after leaving Juventus in 2012.
The Italian legend has previously admitted he held discussions with the Hoops about signing for them.
But he has now revealed he ultimately couldn't face playing against his beloved Juve in European competitions.
And his reason for turning Celtic down was soon justified as the Hoops went on to face the Italian giants in the Champions League during the 2012-13 season.
Neil Lennon's men suffered a 5-0 aggregate defeat to Juventus in the Last 16.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Del Piero said: "When I left Juventus I had the chance to join Celtic but I rejected their offer.
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"I didn't want to play in Europe for another team.
"I had already decided to leave the continent and I said no.
"In the following season Juve and Celtic met in the Champions League and I thought: 'Luckily I didn't join them!'"
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Del Piero instead moved to Australia where he signed a two-year deal with Sydney FC.
The 43-year-old eventually retired back in 2015 having won six Serie A titles, a Champions League and the World Cup with Italy, among a host of other honours.