LEGENDARY ITALIAN PLAYER GIORGIO CHIELLINI ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT

Giorgio Chiellini concluded a trophy-filled career on Tuesday by announcing his retirement at the age of 39.

Former Juventus and Italy defender Chiellini announced he will be hanging up his boots following his farewell game on Saturday, which saw Los Angeles FC lose to Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup final.

“You have been the most beautiful and intense journey of my life. You have been my everything,” Chiellini wrote on social media alongside a video showing the highlights of his career.

“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.”

In addition to leading Italy to victory at Euro 2020 in Wembley, where they overcame England on penalties in the championship match, Chiellini won nine Serie A championships with Juventus.

After spending a season at Fiorentina, he started his career at Livorno and spent 17 years as a player for the Turin team before joining Juventus in 2005.

Chiellini, who had received 117 caps for his nation, announced his retirement from international football last year.