Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini was happy to see action in last night’s 2-2 draw with Lazio.
It marked Chiellini’s last appearance as a Juve player at the stadium.
“I made my debut against Messina, coming on for Pavel Nedved. That was the start of the long story that took me here. I leave with so much joy and peace, because it was a decision that was made over months, not weeks or days,” Chiellini told Sky Italia.
“I always said I wanted to leave at a high level, suited to the career I had, and I achieved that. It was a tough year for Juventus, but I was able to prove myself at my level on the field and that gave me the push to step aside and let the younger players through.
“Now that they have been cuddled and protected, it is time they take on the responsibility. I am well aware that I clipped the wings of some youngsters at Juventus, so it’s time for them to fly and I will be cheering them on.”
Chiellini admits Italy failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup led him to choosing to leave Juve.
“Clearly, that accelerated the whole thing. My plan was to reach the end of the year and the World Cup, because I felt after winning the Euros that I could be part of it. Obviously, I would also leave space to the others, but unfortunately it didn’t go the way we wanted.
“I now leave a Juventus side and a Nazionale in good hands with talented young players who are ready to get going.”
He played just 17 minutes this evening in the 2-2 draw with Lazio.
“I had 17 minutes tonight, one for every year at Juventus!”
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