Juventus forward Alessandro Del Piero plans to play football until he is at least 40 years old.

The player, who turned 37 last week, is tied to the Turin-based club until 2012 when he is expected to leave.

Last month it was revealed by president Andrea Agnelli this would be the iconic striker’s final season in a Juventus shirt.

However, the Italian is eager to defy his critics and continue playing for as long as he can once his time with the Bianconeri comes to an end.

“Where do I want to retire? It’s not something I would like to respond to, but I hope to play until I am 40,” Del Piero told El Pais.

“However, I do not want to think too much about this part of my career.”

Juventus take on Palermo after the international break on Sunday in Serie A action.

source: goal