Football has been Alessandro Del Piero’s first love. But the Juventus and Italy legend has also enjoyed the opportunity the sport has given him to travel all across the world.Born to a working-class family in Conegliano, Italy, Del Piero has gone from kicking a ball in his backyard to playing in some of the most glamorous stadiums in the world, not least the Stadio delle Alpi which was home to Juventus during his career.But the iconic forward, who has signed up as marquee player for the Delhi Dynamos FC, has had this desire to see the world since his childhood. He once considered being a lorry driver because it would have allowed him the chance to go to different places and indulge in his lust for adventure and discovery.As it turned out, the striker has ventured to places as far apart as Brazil, Australia, and Japan, and plenty of places in between, all with the ball at his feet. India is the latest stop, what he terms “another stopover on this fantastic journey”.The wanderlust that is at the core of Del Piero’s personality has led him to call himself a “traveller on the roads of football”. His decision to play in the Hero Indian Super League is a result of this outlook. While announcing his decision on his website, Del Piero explained, “I have never wanted to repeat the paths already walked, I’ve never looked to repeat emotions that I’ve already experienced…I’ve always looked for something different.” He is excited about the opportunity to play in India, saying that he is “very enthusiastic about this new adventure”.What holds special appeal for Del Piero is the opportunity to combine his two loves, and promote football all across the world. This influenced his decision-making after he left Juventus, after 19 years with the Turin club, in 2012. Instead of seeking out other illustrious clubs in Europe, Del Piero ultimately decided to join Australian A-League side Sydney FC. He was enticed by “the chance to represent in the world this wonderful sport, that has become a fundamental part of my life since the day I was born”.The chance to help the league achieve its aim of developing and popularising football in India was another factor in Del Piero choosing to join the ISL. “I will have the honour and responsibility of promoting the image of football in the country,” the Italian said on his website.It should come as no surprise that Del Piero is eagerly looking forward to his stint in India. He excitedly revealed his vision for what he hopes to encounter: “new fans, a great amount of enthusiasm, lots of new people to meet and hopefully ‘conquer’.” This traveller is ready to thrill fans all over India.