Italy and Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini announces retirement from football
Former Juventus and Italy legend Giorgio Chiellini has announced his retirement from football at the age of 39.
The Italian uploaded a video on social media and revealed he would be hanging up his boots at the age of 39. The video also included the highlights of his 23 years in the professional game.
“You have been the most beautiful and intense journey of my life,” Chiellini wrote on X. You have been my everything. With you I have travelled a unique and unforgettable path.
“But now it is time to start new chapters, face new challenges and write further important and exciting pages of life.”
The centre-back played his last game in the MLS Cup Final, but his side LAFC were beaten 2-1 by Columbus Crew on Saturday. After the game, Chiellini addressed the press conference and hinted that he may retire from football.
Giorgio Chiellini retires from football at 39
Chiellini started his career with Livorno in 2000 and moved to Juventus in 2005, where he made 561 appearances with the Old Lady.
The 39-year-old went on to win nine Serie A titles in a row between 2011 and 2020, as well as five Coppa Italia trophies. However, Chiellini never won the Champions League trophy as Juventus lost both finals, in 2015 and 2017.
Chiellini played 117 games for the Italian national team, becoming the captain in 2019. After Italy were unable to reach the 2018 World Cup, Chiellini played a pivotal role to guide them to the Euros in 2020. He retired from international football after Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 Qatar World Cup last year.
After winning the World Cup in 2006, Italy were eliminated in the group stages in both 2010 and 2014. Chiellini had a very mixed career with Italy as he was also part of the squad that was humiliated by Spain in the 2012 Euro finals, where La Roja beat them by 4-0.
What next for Giorgio Chiellini?
The ex-Juventus defender played the final two seasons of his career in USA with LAFC, where he won the 2022 MLS Cup before losing the title at the weekend.
Moreover, after losing the MLS Cup final, he also said that a potential return to Juventus in some form can be expected. But for now, he will take in some time away from the game.
