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Former Juventus and Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini retired from skilled soccer on Tuesday, calling time on a profession which started in 2000.
Chiellini’s ultimate sport got here in Saturday’s MLS Cup ultimate, the place his LAFC workforce had been crushed 2-1 by Columbus Crew.
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“You’ve been probably the most stunning and intense journey of my life,” Chiellini wrote on X, previously Twitter.
“You’ve been my every thing. With you I’ve travelled a novel and unforgettable path.
“However now it’s time to begin new chapters, face new challenges and write additional essential and thrilling pages of life.”
Chiellini, 39, began his profession with Livorno in 2000, however made his identify with Juventus the place he made 561 appearances from 2005 to 2022.
Juventus received the league in Chiellini’s first full season with Juventus, though that title was later rescinded and handed to Inter Milan because of the Calciopoli scandal.
Having initially performed on the left aspect, he moved to centre-back throughout Juventus’ 12 months in Serie B, establishing himself within the workforce because the Bianconeri received the second-tier title.
He went on to win 9 Serie A titles with Juventus in a row between 2011 and 2020, in addition to 5 Coppa Italia trophies. Chiellini twice misplaced the Champions League ultimate with Juventus, in 2015 and 2017.
Chiellini performed 117 video games for Italy, changing into captain in 2019, together with his defining second coming within the profitable Euro 2020 marketing campaign as he performed a pivotal function in Italy’s defeat of England within the ultimate.
In his first season in MLS, Chiellini received the MLS Cup with LAFC alongside Gareth Bale and Carlos Vela.