The love affair between Australian football and Alessandro Del Piero is all but over after Sydney FC confirmed the end of his playing career with the club and the Italian star hinted his intention to return to his homeland.

Del Piero and Sydney FC mutually agreed to part ways at the end of his current deal after two seasons that propelled the A-League and Australian football to unprecedented exposure.

Alessandro Del Piero has played his last match for Sydney FC. Credit:Getty Images

Sydney FC and Del Piero met on Monday to discuss his future, and the two parties agreed that their relationship had come to an end.

Fairfax Media understands that the Sky Blues were not in a position to retain the 39-year-old forward for a third year at marquee wages but hope to strike a deal to keep the World Cup winner on board with the club in an off-field role.