Juve’s and Italy’s legend Giorgio Chiellini announced that he is hanging up his boots and leaving the game. He will remain in memories as a master of the art of defending, forming an outstanding and long-lasting partnership with Leonardo Bonucci at the heart of Juve’s and Italy’s defences.
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
Born on 14th of August 1984, the Italian defender began his football development at Livorno where he stayed until the 2004/05 campaign. He then moved for a season long loan to Fiorentina before joining Juventus. With the Bianconeri Chiellini enjoyed the biggest success of his club career.
The player spent 17 full seasons in Turin and won 9 Serie A titles, 5 Italian Cups and 5 Super Cups. In the European tournaments Chiellini helped Juve to reach two Champions League finals, but on both occasions his team lost.
Chiellini’s international career with Italy shows 117 caps and 8 goals. It began in 2004 but the culmination came in 2021, when the central defender captained his country to win Euro 2020. One of Chiellini’s most memorable football moments came in the tournament’s final. He did not calculate the ball movement and allowed Bukayo Saka to eliminate him, only to then grab his shirt and not allow him to continue. Just seconds later Chiellini received a yellow card with a smile on his face.
He played the last season of his illustrious career in the USA after joining Los Angeles FC from Juve on a free transfer. In his sole campaign in the MLS the Italian became a champion, while also winning the Supporters’ Shield.