Former Juventus great Alessandro del Piero (right) has vowed to take the game in Australia to a new level.

The deal to bring the 2006 World Cup winner Down Under was sealed Wednesday, with Del Piero opting for Sydney FC ahead of clubs including Premier League giants Liverpool, on a two-year contract.

Del Piero, who spent 19 years at Juventus, insisted he was not heading to Australia for a holiday.

“I’m coming to Sydney to score and to win and I’m hoping that Australian football, with my help, can grow,” he said.

“I’ve got the desire and determination to help the sport grow. That’s a big drive for me. I want to play in front of full stadiums.”

Football Federation Australia chief executive Ben Buckley said Del Piero’s signing would significantly boost the A-League’s global image and accelerate growth of the competition, which is entering its eighth season.

“Undoubtedly, this signing will have an immediate impact on attendances, membership, TV ratings and corporate support for the club and the A-League,” he said.

Sydney FC player Brett Emerton said Del Piero’s arrival would be a “shot in the arm” for Australian football.

“When I left Blackburn last year, I didn’t expect to be playing alongside someone like Del Piero,” he said.

“You only have to look at the calibre of clubs internationally that were chasing him to realise that, even at 37, he is still a world-class striker.”