Former clubs, teammates and the Italy national team have begun paying tribute to the legendary former Juventus and Azzurri defender Giorgio Chiellini, who announced his retirement on Tuesday afternoon.
The 39-year-old spent the final two years of his career in the United States with LAFC, winning the MLS Cup in 2022, before falling just short of a repeat three days before officially hanging up his boots.
Juventus, for whom Chiellini made a total of 430 Serie A appearances across a trophy-laden 17-year spell, have also paid tribute on social media, posting a selection of highlights from his time with the Bianconeri.
The Italy national team, too, have shared some clips of Chiellini’s time with the Azzurri. The pinnacle of his international career came in the summer of 2021, winning the Euros at Wembley.
Chiellini is perhaps best known for his formidable centre-back partnership, both at club-level and internationally, with Leonardo Bonnucci.
He wrote on Tuesday: “It was 2010 when we met. We’ve come so far together, side by side through so many memorable victories. Challenges where we have been shoulder to shoulder….
“You have been an example to Me. For millions of fans. For an infinite number of kids who dream of becoming like Chiello!
“A new stage awaits you, but now it’s time to enjoy your family. See you soon Captain.”
Gianliuigi Buffon, also a long-term teammate for club and country, wrote:”George, companion of a thousand battles. We shared most of our careers together. Together we struggled, we fell, we rose, we won.
“You were the teammate everyone wishes they had, a true leader on and off the pitch. What I feel like telling you is a simple, a gigantic thank you for all the moments we’ve shared together.”