Since 2005, Giorgio Chiellini has been a true pillar for Juventus. The defender stuck by the Old Lady through sick and thin, whilst also enjoying the glorious years.
Nonetheless, the captain’s future at the club remains uncertain, as his contract expires next month, and he is yet to sign a renewal.
Contract negotiations between the Bianconeri and the 36-year-old had never been complicated in the past, but it remains to be seen whether the two parties still have the desire to continue their journey together, or instead go separate ways.
On Wednesday night, Juve secured the 14th Coppa Italia trophy in their history by beating Atalanta 2-1 in the final.
For his part, Chiellini led Juventus throughout the 90 minutes – wearing the captain’s armband – and yet, when it was time for the trophy presentation, Gianluigi Buffon was the one to lift it.
The legendary goalkeeper had already announced his second departure from the club, and the final against the Orobici is widely expected to be his final match for the Old Lady.
Therefore, the defender’s gesture was seen as a sign of appreciation towards his longtime teammate.
Nonetheless, according to ilBianconero, leaving the armband and the cup for Buffon could also be considered as a sign of the center back’s intention to stay in Turin.
The report believes that Chiellini let his compatriot lift the trophy – all alone – because he felt that he will have the opportunity to win other titles with Juventus in the future.
The Italy captain missed almost the entirety of last season with a serious injury, but bounced back well in the current campaign, building a strong partnership with Matthijs de Ligt, as his longtime partner Leonardo Bonucci has been relegated to the bench recently.