Legendary defender Giorgio Chiellini retires from football at 39
The 39-year-old defender led Italy to victory in the 2020 Euro Cup. Italy also won the European Cup in 2020.
KATHMANDU: Giorgio Chiellini, an Italian football defender, has declared his retirement from the game.
Chiellini, a Juventus icon, has announced his retirement from sport at the age of 39.
He has announced his intention to retire from football, characterizing his career as the most beautiful and intense adventure of his life.
The 39-year-old defender led Italy to victory in the 2020 Euro Cup. Italy also won the European Cup in 2020.
He was contracted to Juventus until June 2022. Following that, he began his professional football career with Major League Soccer Los Angeles.
Los Angeles FC lost 2-1 to Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup final on Saturday.
You were my everything. I have traveled a strange and unforgettable path with you.” he said. “But now it’s time to start a new chapter, face new challenges and 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 also made 117 appearances for Italy, including two World Cup appearances.
“Giorgio is the best defender of his generation and an even better person,” LAFC general manager John Thorrington said. “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.”
Born in Pisa, Chiellini started his career with Livorno before Juventus signed him in 2004.
He spent his first Serie A season on loan at Fiorentina before joining Juventus’ back line in 2005 and remaining there until the summer of 2022.
He helped Juventus win the Serie A title nine times in a row. From 2010 to 2020, he was Serie A champion, and he also won the Coppa Italia five times.
The former Italy captain declared his retirement from international football in 2022. He appeared in 117 national team matches and scored eight goals.
