Azzurri great Giorgio Chiellini is bound to play his last match in the blue of Italy after 18 years of top-class service. The Finalissima against Argentina will be the defensive legend’s 117th cap for the national team, taking him one place above Andrea Pirlo and on par with Daniele de Rossi for the most appearances.
The 37-year-old veteran prepares to bid goodbye one last time at the same venue where he reached his footballing peak last year, captaining Italy to victory at the finals of EURO 2020. He spoke to UEFA.com, shedding thoughts on his final farewell.
“It has been, without a doubt, better than I could ever have imagined. When you’re a kid, you dream of playing for the national team, because that’s the ultimate. The thought of being able to play more than 100 games over the course of 18 years, being captain, and lifting an important cup like I did last year at Wembley was the icing on the cake.
I hope the fans will remember me as a good person. A person who personified certain values. On the pitch I have my strengths and weaknesses, and some will remember both. In the long run, you’ll always remember the nicer things, that’s normal,” he commented.
The Bianconeri stopper was subject to an emotional adieu at the Allianz Stadium on the final matchday of the season against Fiorentina more than a week ago. He believes he knows what to expect this time around, citing that the match against Argentina will be his ‘second closure’.
He said: “I just experienced it with Juventus, so I more or less know what to expect. It’s a second closure; these have been the two loves of my life, two great love stories. I have played for Juventus for 17 years and 18 years for the national team – they have been a big part of my life. I’m at peace. I feel happy with what I achieved and a little bit of pride for what I achieved in my career.”
The Juventus and Italy icon will end his career as one of the greatest defenders of his generation, inspiring millions with his bull-headed style of play, tactical awareness and consistent performances on the biggest stages of all.
He retires with nine Serie A titles, one Serie B, one Serie C1, five Coppa Italia, five Supercoppa Italiana and two UEFA Champions League runners-up medals, among a host of other accolades. However, it is the UEFA EURO 2020 championship win that will reign high over his other achievements.