Giorgio Chiellini: Italy and Juventus legend announces retirement aged 39

Rome: Italy legend Giorgio Chiellini has announced his retirement, describing his career as “the most beautiful and intense journey of my life”.

The 39-year-old, who captained the Azzurri to their Euro 2020 win, has called time on playing after 23 years.

The defender made his name at Juventus and since June 2022 has been playing in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Los Angeles FC.

LAFC were beaten 2-1 by Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup final on Saturday.

Posting on X, Chiellini added: “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.”

Chiellini began his career with Livorno in 2000 before cementing his status as a Serie A icon in Turin.

The centre-half helped Juventus win nine consecutive Serie A titles from 2011 and 2020 and the Coppa Italia five times.

Chiellini, who retired from international football in 2022, won 117 Italy caps, scoring eight goals.

Juventus paid tribute to their former player, saying: “For Juventus fans, for 17 seasons, the number three stood for one thing, and one thing only: Giorgio Chiellini.

“You were always by our side, like a superhero ready to intervene if necessary.”