Catania defender Nicola Legrottaglie has claimed he would love to play in the A-League alongside former team-mate Alessandro Del Piero.
Legrottaglie has revealed Australia 'fascinates' him and with his contract expiring in June he has made it clear, after 19 years in Italian football, he is interested in playing abroad if Catania do not offer him another deal.
The 36-year-old central defender played 147 games for Juventus between 2003 and 2011 and it seems one of the Turin club's favourite sons has inspired Legrottaglie to end his career in the A-League.
"It would be a pleasure to play with Alex Del Piero," Legrottaglie said in an interview with La Repubblica on Tuesday.
When Del Piero decided to sign for Sydney FC after 19 seasons with Juventus, there was speculation over whether a successful time in Australia could lead to an influx of ex-Serie A pros in the A-League.
Having scored 11 goals for Sydney FC, the best single-season haul in the club's history, and with finals beckoning, Del Piero looks set to extend his time with the Sky Blues and it seems his success in the A-League is being noticed in his home country.
While Legrottaglie maintains he is happy with Catania, who sit eighth in Italy's Serie A, he claims Australia would be an attractive destination if the Sicilian club do not decide to give him a new contract.
"I haven't spoken to the club yet," Legrottaglie said.
"I am happy here and would never push to leave but if the club decides not to make me a proposal, then I would evaluate others, even if they were abroad.
"The idea of Australia fascinates me.
"Age does not matter, as I am in good shape and take it one year at a time."
