Legendary Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini has announced his retirement from football at the age of 39.
Widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation, Chiellini spent the final two years of his glittering 23-year professional career with MLS outfit Los Angeles FC, where he made 45 appearances and won both the MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield in 2022.
The defender was unable to life a third piece of silverware with LAFC after they lost 2-1 to Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup final last weekend, which proved to be the Italian's last match as a professional footballer.
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."
You have been the most beautiful and intense journey of my life.
— Giorgio Chiellini (@chiellini) December 12, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/IjHDDE4jMe
Born in Pisa, Chiellini began his career with Livorno back in 2000 and made 62 appearances over a four-year period before joining Juventus, but he was immediately loaned out to Fiorentina where he played 42 times in the 2004-05 campaign.
The no-nonsense defender then established himself as a stalwart for Juventus and earned legendary status with the Old Lady over an 18-year period, making a total of 561 appearances in all competitions.
Chiellini was an integral part of the Juve side that won nine Serie A titles, one Serie B title, five Coppa Italias, five Supercoppa Italianas as well as reach two Champions League finals in 2015 and 2017.
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.
Chiellini also enjoyed plenty of success at international level with Italy as he captained the Azzurri to Euro 2020 glory, beating England in the final on penalties eight years on from losing the showpiece event to Spain in 2012.
The left-footed defender represented Italy between 2004 and 2022 and is the nation's joint-fifth most-capped players of all time along with Danielle De Rossi (117).
Chiellini has previously stated that he could return to Juventus in either a coaching or administrative capacity, and he may link up with his brother Claudio Chiellini who is currently the head of the club's Next Gen Area.
Oliver Thomas
