Chiellini says goodbye to Juventus fans after 17 years: ‘I leave happy’

Giorgio Chiellini played his last game for Juventus on Monday. The 37-year-old defender said goodbye to the Turin after seventeen seasons.

Chiellini, who played his 560th game with Juventus, said: “I am happy to leave, I am at peace with that. “This is not a decision I made in a few days, it took months,” he said.

The Italian finished in the starting 11 against Lazio and got a crowd change seventeen minutes later, citing his years playing for ‘De Oude Dame’. After the match ended in a draw (2-2), Chiellini entered the field with his family and a guard of honor was formed for him.

On his Juventus debut in 2005, Chiellini said: “I played my first game against Messina when I replaced Pavel Nedved. “It was the beginning of a long story that brought me here,” he said.

It is not yet known whether the actor will continue his career. He used to receive an offer from an American club. “I can still compete at a high level. Juventus must start again. It is time for young people to take responsibility. Now I am going to make a decision about my future with my family.”

Chiellini has won nine titles and five trophies with Juventus. The veteran player has twice lost the Champions League final. He had previously announced that he would play his last international match in June for Italy, where he became European champion last year.

Paulo Dybala also said goodbye to Juventus on Monday. The attacker has been playing there since 2015.