Chiellini Dishes on De Ligt, Ronaldo, Dybala and Bonucci to Milan

On top of his words on Cristiano Ronaldo’s late departure, Giorgio Chiellini weighed in on multiple topics in his interview with DAZN. He revealed that he seriously contemplated retiring: “I went through a difficult moment after the knee injury. I came back after six months, and then COVID hit. It was hard for me to find the right balance for a year, but the desire to play in the Euro kept me going.”

“Matthijs De Ligt is very strong. I call him Thor. It would be easier to keep him for many years if he was Italian. We hope Mino Raiola leaves him here. He has everything to succeed and already possesses the mentality of a veteran.”

Chiellini also praised Paulo Dybala: “He can carry the team on his shoulders now. Ronaldo’s farewell opens up space for his technical skills. In any case, I was honored for these years with the Portuguese star. He is an alien, and he will be forever remembered next to the all-time greats like Diego Armando Maradona and Pelé. He was a major boost for Juventus.”

“Massimiliano Allegri and Antonio Conte were the most important coaches in my career. They are so different, but they are both winners. I learned to overcome the obstacles through hard work from them, also with a touch of lightheartedness. Our gaffer is very motivated, and he is a certainty for us.” 

Chiellini did like it when Leonardo Bonucci moved to Milan: “I took it badly and wrote him a lot in private. We have to accept choices. But I am convinced that, had we gone on vacation together, he would not have done it. With all due respect, the Rossoneri were not exactly Real Madrid at that time. Nor they were as good as today.”