One of Italy’s greatest soccer players is hanging up his cleats mere days after closing his career by playing in an MLS Cup final.
Los Angeles FC and Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini is retiring, he announced Tuesday morning with a brief video on social media.
Chiellini, 39, was widely noted for his defensive versatility and helped bridge multiple generations of Italian soccer.
"You have been the most beautiful and intense journey of my life. You have been my everything. With you I have travelled a unique and unforgettable path," Chiellini wrote. "But now it is time to start new chapters, face new challenges and write further important and exciting pages of life."
You have been the most beautiful and intense journey of my life.
— Giorgio Chiellini (@chiellini) December 12, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/IjHDDE4jMe
Born in Pisa, Chiellini played professionally from 2000-23 for Livorno, Roma, Juventus, Fiorentina and LAFC. He played internationally for Italy from 2004-22; the fan favorite’s 117 caps for the national team rank fifth in his nation’s history.
Throughout his lengthy career, he amassed nine Italian first-division titles, an Italian second-division title, an Italian third-division title, five Italian cup titles, an MLS Cup title, an Olympic bronze medal, and the trophy that brought him to his greatest recognition at the age of 36: a European championship in 2021.
