Giorgio Chiellini confirms Juventus departure

Giorgio Chiellini confirmed after Juventus’ defeat in the Coppa Italia final that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season. 

Chiellini captained the Bianconeri on Wednesday night and performed superbly before he was sacrificed late on as Massimiliano Allegri reverted to a more aggressive approach after Inter equalised with ten minutes remaining to send the final to extra-time.

The stalwart Italian has continued to prove this season that he’s still capable of performing at the highest level, but he’s opted to move on from Juventus at the end of the campaign.

Giorgio Chiellini confirms Juventus departure at the end of the season

It was reported last week that Chiellini, 37, was set to move on at the end of the season, and those reports were confirmed by the player in the aftermath of Juve’s Coppa Italia final defeat.

The generational defender said post-match: “I give way to the youngsters, as next year I will not be here. On Monday I will say goodbye to my stadium, and Fiorentina will be my last match. I say goodbye with joy to this team, of which I will be the biggest fan, because Juve will always stay with me.”

Who’s cutting the onions?

Chiellini’s future is very much up in the air, although Fabrizio Romano revealed that the veteran defender has two proposals from MLS sides – including one from Los Angeles FC – which he’s mulling over.

The Italian’s 17-year spell in Turin will come to a close this month, and he’ll say his goodbyes to the Juventus faithful on Monday night as Lazio come to town. An emotional night’s in store for both Chiellini and the fans, as the club attempts to move into a prosperous new era without a calcio icon.

Grazie, Giorgio.