According to numerous reports, Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is contemplating retiring from the Italian national team after the Azzurri failed to qualify for Qatar 2022. The 37-year-old has been playing for the European champions since 2004, making 115 appearances for his national team. Chiellini represented Italy at the 2010 and 2014 editions, but they ended in early eliminations. With injuries continuously knocking down the old horse and no international aspirations on the horizon, la Gazzetta dello Sport claim that the Juventus captain wants to retire from international football. They also claim he would like to play a year in the United States when his contract at the Old Lady expires in 2023. Football Italia even claims he could fast-track a total retirement at the end of this campaign. Gazzetta suggested a club director role in yesterday’s edition of the paper as something for the man with first-class honors in Economics to do.
Roberto Mancini will miss his warrior, but in Alessandro Bastoni, he was the talent to cover that left side of the Azzurri defense for years. There’s also Alessio Romagnoli in the fold. Chiellini, a master of the art of defending, scored eight goals and provided five assists in his 18-year stint with the national team. He will be missed for his aggression, leadership, and experience. One of the modern greats!
