Ranieri: Del Piero Will Play Until He Is 40

Ranieri: Del Piero Will Play Until He Is 40

The 'Tinkerman' can see Del Piero's hair turning grey before he hangs up his boots...

Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri believes Alessandro Del Piero will play on until he is 40 as he looks ahead to the game against Milan.

The former Chelsea Tinkerman is so confident in his captain that he feels he can follow in the footsteps of Rossoneri legend Paolo Maldini and play on until he goes grey.

Del Piero is likely to start against Milan this weekend and he is in good form. Ranieri is relying on his hit-man to do the business now and in six years time.

"I think Del Piero will play until he is 40, believe me he will," Ranieri told La Repubblica.

"Del Piero has great determination and character. He has great love for the team and a massive drive to do will.

"With all this, he can achieve everything he says."

Ronaldinho is likely to feature for the opposition and the Juve coach has revealed his liking for the Brazilian master.

"Ronaldinho is incredible," added Ranieri.

"You can't compare him to Del Piero but he has great qualities and one can only admire him."

The Bianconeri are currently six points behind league leaders Inter as they attempt to catch them this weekend.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com