Giorgio Chiellini is no longer playing football professionally.
The 39-year-old, who joined LAFC from Juventus in the summer of 2022, has been playing for the team for the previous 18 months.
Over the course of his one and a half seasons in the United States, Chiellini played 45 times for LAFC, where he won the Supporters’ Shield and the MLS Cup last season.
“You have been the most beautiful and intense journey of my life,” the statement posted on social media on Tuesday stated. My entire world has revolved around you.
“I have experienced a singular and remarkable journey with you. But now is the moment to open new chapters, take on fresh difficulties, and pen more significant and fascinating pages of life.”
The defender, who arrived from Livorno in 2004, played for Juventus for eighteen years before joining LAFC. Chiellini spent a tremendously successful tenure in Turin after returning to Juventus after a year on loan at Fiorentina. With 561 games, he is third on the club’s all-time appearance list after Gianluigi Buffon (685) and Alessandro Del Piero (705).
Chiellini contributed significantly to the Juventus team that won nine straight Serie A championships from 2011–12 to 2019–20. He also added five Coppa Italia victories and a Serie B league victory to his trophy collection. With Juventus, the Italian also placed second in the Champions League twice; nevertheless, they were defeated by Barcelona and Real Madrid in the respective championship games in 2015 and 2017.
Last summer, Chiellini announced his retirement from international competition. His farewell match for his nation was the Finalissima at Wembley Stadium, which featured Argentina, the South American winners, and Italy, the defending European champions. He earned 117 caps since making his senior Italy debut in 2004.
Chiellini regarding his prospects
Prior to LAFC’s 2-1 loss to Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup final earlier this month, the renowned center back had an interview with The Athletic regarding playing in the league, the future of the Italian national team, and other topics.
Chiellini: “I want to work in management more.” I hold an MBA in football in addition to a degree in economics. I do not feel as committed to the job as I once did to the coaching.
“I envision Juventus in my future; I do not want to be a liar. I have spent nearly half of my life somewhere; I am not sure in what capacity.
“Each of them still has a special place in my heart, and I am glad they are having a successful season. Though I am not in a rush, I am excited to return to the stadium and watch them over the Christmas holiday. Along with my family, I am content with my life in Los Angeles.