Juventus and Italy Great Chiellini Announces Retirement

Originally posted on The Cult of Calcio
By Enrico Passarella | Last updated 12/12/23

Giorgio Chiellini has officially hung his cleats with an emotional post on X. He alluded to it over the weekend after the MLS Cup’s final versus the Columbus Crew. He stated that he might have played his final game and would take a couple of days to fully make up his mind.

You have been the most beautiful and intense journey of my life.
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. pic.twitter.com/IjHDDE4jMe

— Giorgio Chiellini (@chiellini) December 12, 2023

The defender wraps things up at 39 years, after a majestic run that started at the Livorno’s youth system. He had a cup of coffee with Fiorentina before being sold to Juventus. He spent 17 seasons with the Bianconeri, recording 561 total appearances, 425 of which in Serie A, Corriere della Sera informs.

The Old Lady was one of the first to salute their long-time captain. He won nine Serie A titles in a row with them, from 2011 to 2020, plus the Supercoppa and the Coppa Italia five times each. He raked up 117 caps with Italy, culminating in the triumph in the 2020 European Championship. The icon also conquered the bronze medal in the 2004 Olympics.

The rugged center-back finished up his career in the United States with the Los Angeles FC. He played 31 matches and won the MLS in 2022.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Chiellini is bound to return to Juventus in a managerial role at the end of the season. His brother Claudio came back to Turin after a spell at Pisa last summer. His new position will be defined in the coming months.

This article first appeared on The Cult of Calcio and was syndicated with permission.

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