Legendary Italy Defender Chiellini Retires From Football At 39
Legendary Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 39.
One of the best central defenders of his generation, Chiellini made his name at Juventus, where he won nine consecutive Serie A titles between the 2011/2012 and 2019/2020 seasons.
He was one of the few committed souls that stayed around when Juventus were demoted to the Serie B in 2006 for the Calciopoli scandal and helped them regain their top flight status a season later.
Chiellini had been playing in the Major League Soccer with Los Angeles FC but has decided to call time on his illustrious career following their 2-1 loss to Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup final on Saturday.
Chiellini won 117 caps for his country and captained them to EURO 2020 glory.
He posted on social media: "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."
LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said: "Firstly, we would like to congratulate Giorgio on his legendary career.
"We consider ourselves grateful that Giorgio, Carolina, Nina and Olivia chose to spend the last 18 months of Giorgio's playing days at LAFC.
"Giorgio is the best defender of his generation and an even better person. Giorgio exceeded the incredibly high expectations we had for him both on and off the field.
"His leadership, professionalism and character will leave a lasting legacy at LAFC and we trust that our relationship with Giorgio will continue."
Juventus said in a club statement: "For Juventus fans, for 17 seasons, the No3 stood for one thing and one thing only: Giorgio Chiellini.
"Player, man and captain — three perspectives of Giorgio himself, who today concluded his career as a footballer.
"Three, like the defensive line-up in which you excelled, becoming one of the best ever in the role.
"With Giorgio by our side, complete with that iconic bandage around his head, no one ever scared us. Wishing you all the best, captain!"
