Giorgio Chiellini is ‘enjoying every moment’ at LAFC, discusses his Juventus and Italy regrets, while believing the Bianconeri could get back into the Scudetto race despite their rough start.
The defender is now in America with LAFC and spoke via video-link at the Festival dello Sport in Trento about his former teammates, who are struggling in Serie A and the Champions League so far this season.
“Juventus and Italy were the most important and wonderful steps of my career. Unfortunately, I still struggle to accept that Italy are for the second time in a row out of the World Cup and there are so many regrets, especially for those children who won’t be able to see the Azzurri compete in such a prestigious tournament,” said the defender.
“It’s a struggle to understand what’s going on at Juventus now too, even as a fan. Different situations have come together and I hope that after the break for the World Cup, the team will get back to doing well. It’s a strange season with the World Cup in the middle and I’m convinced Juve will be more of a unit after that tournament.”
Chiellini was asked if he believes that Juventus can come back from this dismal start to win the Serie A title.
“I don’t know, it might feel like we’re 70 rounds in, but only seven have been played so far. I don’t see a single team that can dominate the league, we could see form change also because of Champions League commitments and what shape players are in after the World Cup.”
Gigi Buffon was at the same festival yesterday and said he did not regret missing out on winning the Champions League.
“My biggest regret with Juventus is not having played the Champions League Final in Berlin because of injury,” added Chiellini.
“Considering everything I’d done that season, I felt like I earned that game. The greatest joy was our first Scudetto, because it was so unexpected.”
The 38-year-old is now enjoying a new lease of life in MLS with LAFC.
“I’m having fun, there’s less pressure, but more long journeys to play games, I get to enjoy more time with my family, so I’m happy. I enjoyed every moment of my final year, in training and on the pitch, because I knew it wouldn’t last forever, and I have the same attitude in Los Angeles.
“I needed this new experience, for me and my family.”