Juventus and Italy legend Giorgio Chiellini has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 39.
Chiellini won nine Serie A titles during a distinguished spell with Juventus, who he first joined from Livorno as a 20-year-old in 2004.
The defender left the Bianconeri last year to join MLS outfit Los Angeles FC, helping his new side win the MLS Cup in his first campaign in the United States as they beat the Philadelphia Union on penalties following a 3-3 draw in the postseason showpiece.
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He was unable to help LAFC repeat the trick this year as they were beaten 2-1 by the Columbus Crew in Saturday’s MLS Cup final, and with his contract in California due to expire this month, his future in the game was uncertain.
On Tuesday, Chiellini confirmed he was hanging up his boots via a post to X, formerly known as Twitter.
Alongside a video showing the standout moments of his career, Chiellini wrote: “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.”
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
Chiellini won 117 senior caps for Italy throughout his glittering career, the last of them coming in the Azzurri’s Finalissima defeat to Argentina at Wembley Stadium last June.
The defender captained Italy throughout their triumphant run at the rearranged Euro 2020 one year earlier, with Roberto Mancini’s men beating England on spot-kicks in the final after fellow defender Leonardo Bonucci cancelled out Luke Shaw’s opener at Wembley.
Chiellini’s 117 caps put him joint-fifth on Italy’s all-time appearance makers list, behind Gianluigi Buffon (176), Fabio Cannavaro (136), Paolo Maldini (126) and Bonucci (121), level with Daniele De Rossi.
Meanwhile, only Alessandro Del Piero (705) and Buffon (685) have bettered Chiellini’s tally of 561 competitive appearances for Juve, who he also helped to two UEFA Champions League finals.
Warrior ⚔️
Captain ©
Champion ????Thank you for everything, @chiellini! pic.twitter.com/fLDea8Zei8
— JuventusFC ???????????????? (@juventusfcen) December 12, 2023
