Former Italy and Juventus great Alessandro Del Piero has played his last match for Sydney FC and will not renew his contract, the A-League club said yesterday.

The 39-year-old striker’s two-year contract expired with the club’s 2-1 defeat to Melbourne Victory in the A-League elimination play-offs earlier this month.

“Australia, the moment has arrived to say “arrivederci”,” Del Piero said in a statement.

“My adventure with Sydney FC is about to be concluded, and, even if it makes me rather sad, because I have had wonderful time here, I have communicated my decision to the club.

“I’m really grateful for the last two years and for the club’s request for me to remain and with whom, I am happy to explore new opportunities to continue our relationship.

“It hasn’t been an easy choice, also because my life on and off the pitch has been fantastic, my family and I have really enjoyed these two wonderful years: Australia will remain in our hearts forever.”

The Italian joined Sydney FC in a A$4 million ($3.78 million) deal in 2012.

Del Piero, who is also the ambassador for the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia, said he will need some time to decide on his future.

Sydney FC also paid rich tributes to the evergreen Italian.

“Two years ago Sydney FC signed one of the greatest players to have ever worn a football shirt, Alessandro Del Piero,” Sydney FC chairman Scott Barlow said.

“At the time, if you had said Del Piero would be playing in Australia, few people would have believed it .

“His signing was the biggest in Australian football history and it lifted Sydney FC onto the world stage.”