Juventus defensive mogul Italian international Giorgio Chiellini has confirmed his departure from his club at the end of the current season after his side lost 2-4 to Inter in the Coppa Italia final following an extension yesterday Wednesday.
The captain of the “old woman” in a statement to the “Mediaset” network said that before saying goodbye to the club’s fans, he would play the last two matches of his team in the local league.
He added: “We’ve had great years at Juventus and it’s time for the young people to take over. I did my best and hopefully made an impact.”
“Next Monday, I will say goodbye to the Allianz (Juventus) stadium against Lazio and this is my 100% decision,” said the 19-time champion.
Chiellini, 37, was unwilling to confirm if he would retire permanently after leaving Juventus, saying: “To be honest, I don’t know, I should think about it with my family. I’m happy to leave Juventus and I’m at the top of my game.”
Chiellini has won the local league championship nine times with Juventus since joining the team in 2004 from Livorno, and has been associated with fellow centre-back Leonardo Bonucci and historic goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
Notably, Chiellini was crowned with Italy in the European Cup of Nations last summer and will also retire from international football when Italy faces South American champions Argentina at Wembley Stadium in London next month.
Chiellini, who played 116 matches for his country, was hoping to participate in the World Cup.
Once again, before Zhao says goodbye to the fans, Italy will be absent from the Qatar 2022 World Cup for the second time in a row, precipitating the exit of the international defender.
