Del Piero extends Juve contract

Juventus's 34-year-old captain Alessandro Del Piero has extended his contract with the Serie A club by a year until 2011.

"I can only confirm my happiness and pride at this agreement," the striker told a news conference yesterday.

"I'm happy to be here for two more years to write more important pages in the history of team, which I believe is the most important in Italy and one of the most important in Europe."

Del Piero has become Juve's all-time top scorer since joining them in 1993, helping them win five Serie A titles and the Champions League once and scoring more than 260 goals in all competitions.

The forward, who holds the club's appearances record with 603, is also adored by Juve fans for staying in Turin and helping them climb back after their relegation for match fixing in 2006.

Del Piero, who has scored 27 goals for Italy in 91 appearances, added that he hoped to win back his place in the national squad in time for next year's World Cup after being overlooked by coach Marcello Lippi last season.