Giorgio Chiellini’s contract expires in 2023, but according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italy and Juventus captain could retire if the Azzurri fail to qualify for the World Cup.
Chiellini signed a two-year contract extension with the Bianconeri after the Euros, hoping to play the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
However, Italy made their life complicated by failing to win their qualification group, so they’ll have to get a spot for the World Cup through the play-offs.
Roberto Mancini’s side will face North Macedonia in the semi-finals and could meet Turkey or Portugal in the Final.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the result of the play-off could have an impact on the future of Chiellini.
The veteran will decide whether or not to play for one more season in the summer. ‘The feeling is that a lot will depend on the play-offs in March,’ wrote the newspaper.
The 37-year-old has played 546 games with the Bianconeri and has 114 Italy caps to his name. He captained the Azzurri during the winning UEFA Euro 2020 campaign last summer.
Juve: Martial subito poi #Scamacca Ma prima la società deve cedere #mercato https://t.co/m4ryYtbNzJ
— La Gazzetta dello Sport (@Gazzetta_it) December 15, 2021
That’ll be a sad day :’-(
For sure Token it will be a sad day – one of the true greats – terrific leader, brilliant defender and a terrific guy – I wish he was only 25.
frankie, you would not have liked the 25 year old chiello lol trust me. he was far from the finished article. in my view italian defenders tend to peak at a much later age. like 30-35.
Bonucci too?
It isn’t sad at all, he’s had a great career and it’s time to go. If you want your heroes to play forever, you are stupid.
Too many wars on the body. We know it’s coming but we need him as he is the last old school defender in the world