Alessandro Del Piero will be a big hit for Sydney FC once the fanfare surrounding his arrival in Australian football has died down, coach Ian Crook has said.
Del Piero, 37, has become the most famous name to play in the Australian game after deciding to seek a new challenge following a 19-year stint with Juventus.
Crook said: "It's always difficult at the beginning because everyone wants a little part of him, which is fair enough. In time it will wane, but we're certainly expecting it to be like a circus for a bit.
"But at end of it, it's a fantastic addition for our game and our club. He's a great guy and he just wants to play. That's what he's here to do.
Former Norwich midfielder Crook will not play his new striker in the club's one remaining pre-season friendly, but hopes he will be ready to take part in the A-League opener on October 6.
However, he said Del Piero would not be made captain - with that role continuing to be taken by Terry McFlynn - and confirmed that the striker would play in the "number nine or ten role".
"I'm not going to go and readjust it now and turn him into something he isn't," he added. "I'll sit and speak to him, but he'll certainly be in that front third."
