Giorgio Chiellini has confirmed he will leave Juventus at the end of the season but hasn’t yet decided whether or not he will hang his boots.
The Italy international will end his time at the club at the end of the season despite a contract expiring in June 2023. After the Coppa Italia Final lost against Inter tonight, he confirmed that the next two games would be his last ones in a black and white shirt.
Chiellini: ‘I will say goodbye to Juventus, Inter were stronger’
“I haven’t yet decided if I will retire or just leave Juventus,” he said at a press conference attended by Football Italia.
“I feel that Juventus need the chance to grow and give these guys the responsibility to play 50 games every season and not only 20. It’s the right thing to do. I dreamed of finishing with a trophy, but I am happy because this is my choice. I will evaluate with my family, I have some ideas, but now I want to prepare for the national team and I want to finish well at Wembley.”
Chiellini has offers from the MLS and could decide to play one last season abroad before retiring. The Athletic reported earlier today that LAFC have already made an offer for Chiellini, but Vancouver Whitecaps are also interested in the Italy veteran.
The 37-year-old has won 19 trophies at Juventus, including nine consecutive Serie A titles. Chiellini will play his last game with La Nazionale in June against Argentina.
“I hope I have shown the values to reach the top. I’m happy to be like an older brother for many people here and that this could be helpful in the future. The love for Juventus will last forever.”
Juventus have finished their first season empty-handed for the first time since 2010-11, so what do they need to win a trophy again in 2022-23?
“There are players that must improve, I think they’ll have to take responsibility and seeing me leave could help them fill this gap,” said Chiellini.
“Andrea Agnelli and the family are the guarantees. Juventus is not an asset, it’s a family business and the target is to win something again, starting from next season.”
Chiellini will play his last game at the Allianz Stadium on Monday when the Bianconeri host Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio.