Giorgio Chiellini drops the biggest hint yet that he will continue his career in MLS after leaving Juventus. ‘I feel the need to face a different experience and culture.’
The Bianconeri drew 2-2 after surging into a 2-0 lead with Dusan Vlahovic and Alvaro Morata, only to be pegged back by an Alex Sandro own goal redirecting Patric’s header and last-gasp Sergej Milinkovic-Savic counter-attack.
However, the focus was all on it being the final match at the Allianz Juventus Stadium for Chiellini and Paulo Dybala.
While the defender had made this decision and seemed entirely at peace and smiling, Dybala burst into distraught tears as he said goodbye.
Although he has not yet confirmed his next step, he did not deny it when Fabio Capello said he would be crossing the Atlantic.
“I made my debut against Messina, coming on for Pavel Nedved. That was the start of the long story that took me here. I leave with so much joy and peace, because it was a decision that was made over months, not weeks or days,” Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia.
“I always said I wanted to leave at a high level, suited to the career I had, and I achieved that. It was a tough year for Juventus, but I was able to prove myself at my level on the field and that gave me the push to step aside and let the younger players through.
“Now that they have been cuddled and protected, it is time they take on the responsibility. I am well aware that I clipped the wings of some youngsters at Juventus, so it’s time for them to fly and I will be cheering them on.”
Chiellini had signed a contract with Juventus until June 2023, but Italy failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup inevitably changed his plans.
“Clearly, that accelerated the whole thing. My plan was to reach the end of the year and the World Cup, because I felt after winning the Euros that I could be part of it. Obviously, I would also leave space to the others, but unfortunately it didn’t go the way we wanted.
“I now leave a Juventus side and a Nazionale in good hands with talented young players who are ready to get going.”
He played just 17 minutes this evening in the 2-2 draw with Lazio.
“I had 17 minutes tonight, one for every year at Juventus!”
When it comes to his future, Chiellini will not disguise he wants to keep playing and is seriously considering the several Major League Soccer offers, which are reported to be LAFC, the LA Galaxy and Toronto FC.
“I honestly don’t know, I need to face an important decision. An experience abroad enriches you just on a cultural level even more than on the field, so I feel the need for an experience and to face a different culture outside of this life at Juventus that I know so much.
“I will decide with my family soon.”
#THEGR3ATCHIELLO pic.twitter.com/v6guNogvhj
— JuventusFC (@juventusfc) May 16, 2022
Oh God why? Not MLS. Too many teams (that want to copy nomenclature from every frellin’ “real” leagues), diluted talent pool…Zlatan did well there, but Pirlo and Donadoni, meh, don’t tarnish your rep by going to a second-tier system (though Insigne is doing precisely that).
4th tier system maybe. It’s a garbage league for garbage players.
MLS is a holiday and one last pay out. Can’t blame them.
I hope he comes to TFC.
Spread the talent to North America . Grow the sport and get the fans more and more interested. America and Canada are growing interest because quality players are xoming here and it is helping the sport. Why shelter the sport. Let us grow the beautiful game with talented players for the fans to see.
I agree with the above do not come to MLS. We don’t need any more washed up Italians. Why waste your twilight years complaining about a league you are too old to be competitive in. Stay in Italy