At the age of 39, renowned Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini has declared his retirement from sport.
Regarded as one of the greatest defenders of his generation, Chiellini played with Los Angeles FC for the last two years of his illustrious 23-year professional career. During that time, he made 45 appearances and won the Supporters’ Shield and the MLS Cup in 2022.
The defender’s final game as a professional football player ended last weekend when LAFC lost 2-1 to Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup final, preventing him from winning a third trophy with the team.
In an emotional video posted on his social media accounts featuring some of the highlights of his career, Chiellini said: “You have been the most beautiful and intense journey of my life.
“You have been my everything. With you I have travelled a unique and unforgettable path.
“But now it is time to start new chapters, face new challenges and write further important and exciting pages of life.”
Born in Pisa, Chiellini started his professional career at Livorno in 2000 and played 42 games over a four-year span before joining Juventus. However, he was loaned out to Fiorentina right away, where he made 42 appearances in the 2004–05 season.
After that, the unflappable defender became a mainstay for Juventus, becoming a famous player over his eighteen years with the Old Lady, appearing in 561 matches across all competitions.
Chiellini was a crucial member of the Juventus team that advanced to the 2015 and 2017 Champions League finals, won nine Serie A titles, one Serie B title, five Coppa Italias, and five Supercoppa Italianas.
Juve’s former No.3 was named Serie A Defender of the Year three times and featured in the Serie A Team of the Year on five occasions, while he was also named in the Champions League Squad of the Season twice during his time with the Turin-based club.
Along with his achievements at the national level, Chiellini led Italy to victory in Euro 2020, defeating England in the championship game on penalties eight years after the Azzurri’s loss to Spain in 2012.
Between 2004 and 2022, the left-footed defender played for Italy, sharing fifth place in the country’s all-time cap total with Danielle De Rossi (117).
Chiellini has hinted that he would return to Juventus in an administrative or coaching role. He might collaborate with his brother Claudio Chiellini, who leads the team’s Next Gen Area at the moment.