Giorgio Chiellini announces his departure from Juventus after 17 years

Juventus stalwart Giorgio Chiellini has announced that he will be leaving the club after 17 long years of association as he lauds Inter Milan for winning the Coppa Italia. The Nerazzurri won the match 4-2 in the cup final as Ivan Perisic scored a brilliant brace whereas Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanogl also bagged a goal each to lift the prestigious cup.

The game went into the extra time due to a debatable spot-kick decision as Hakan Calhanoglu converted it. During extra time, Ivan Perisic scored a brace which also had another penalty kick helping Inter Milan win the title.

“It’s disappointing, especially as Inter certainly had more of the ball, but we had more than enough chances. Mattia Perin basically didn’t have to make a save, we conceded two fantastic goals and two penalties,” Chiellini said after the defeat in the cup final.

The veteran defender highlighted how Inter Milan were better than them in most occasions and hence they ended up with the title. He believes that losing so many games against the Nerazzurri will fire them up for the next season. “Inter proved throughout the season they are stronger in all the head-to-head clashes, so that means something. I hope the anger of losing three out of four games against Inter will fire us up for next season.”

This will be the first time since 2010-11 that the Bianconeri will finish the season without a single trophy. Chiellini feels that it is very tough but he also knows that to win a league a team needs consistency, something that they lacked this season. “We know that you don’t win a Scudetto just in the big games, but every day. It’s a pity to end the season without trophies after a decade, but we need to use it as fuel for next season.”

The 37-year-old did not feel comfortable discussing his future before the Coppa Italia finals as he wanted more calmness in and around the dressing room. But he is surely one of the best defenders to play the sport in the current generation and a superb leader who is always looking out to help others.

“I give way to the youngsters, as next year I will not be here,” he told Sport Mediaset. “On Monday I will say goodbye to my stadium, and Fiorentina will be my last match. I say goodbye with joy to this team, of which I will be the biggest fan because Juve will always stay with me.”

Chiellini joined Juventus from Livorno back in 2004 and went on to win nine Serie A titles and five Italian Cup titles.