Juventus’ final home game of the 2021/22 season against Lazio was filled with emotion as the legendary Giorgio Chiellini and fan favourite Paulo Dybala both bid adieus after etching their respective legacies in the Old Lady’s black and white. Chiellini was substituted after just 17 minutes – marking the number of campaigns he spent with the Bianconeri, whereas Dybala will leave as a free agent after seven seasons.
Paulo Dybala’s crying on the pitch after his final game in Turin as he’s leaving Juventus on a free transfer in the coming weeks ?? #Juventus
Farewell tonight for Giorgio Chiellini too, Juventus legend out of contract – he’s gonna decide his future soon after Los Angeles FC bid. pic.twitter.com/kOjY8C5X3D
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 16, 2022
The EURO 2020 winning captain announced over the weekend of his intention to hang his boots. To mark his farewell, Bianconeri supporters chanted “there’s only one captain” along with putting up a formidable choreography tifo with his number three.
⚪️⚫️A Juventus icon, Giorgio Chiellini was taken off in the 17th minute in his final home game for Juventus.?#JuveLazio #Juventus #SerieApic.twitter.com/Ti3rYxq34t
— Noxwin (@noxwin12) May 16, 2022
The ltaly icon handed his captain armband to Dybala before heading off to a standing ovation, being applauded by fans and players of both teams. He did a lap of the stadium with the match going on as he signed autographs for supporters.
Semplicemente GRAZIE! ⚪️⚫️ pic.twitter.com/edZvAx7ozR
— Giorgio Chiellini (@chiellini) May 16, 2022
Leonardo Bonucci, Chiellini’s defensive partner at the since 2010, dedicated an emotional tribute to his long-time club and national teammate on Instagram.
“You have been an example, a guide, a brother a friend. That invisible thread will always bind us that has accompanied us on the field, through a thousand football battles, in victories and in the most difficult moments. Thank you, captain. I love you.”
Dybala on the other hand, was reduced to tears after the final whistle, having captained the team for the majority of the match. He too, was substituted in the 78th minute and subject to a thundering applause. His teammates threw him up in the air to celebrate to the end to his joyful seven season stint in the Bianconero shirt.
37-year-old Chiellini has garnered interest from Major Soccer League, with two clubs including Los Angeles FC interested in his services. He bids farewell after 560 appearances for the club, winning 20 trophies in the process.
Dybala leaves after scoring 115 goals in 292 caps for the Bianconeri. He is strongly linked with Inter, but his allegiances with Juventus would bear a huge stain if he departs for the Nerazzurri.