Chiellini Reflects on His Playing Career
Giorgio Chiellini, the former Juventus and Italy national team defender, recently opened up about some of the more controversial moments of his career. Speaking at an event at the Luiss University in Rome, Chiellini admitted to feeling "ashamed" of certain actions, particularly his confrontation with referee Michael Oliver during a Champions League match against Real Madrid. Chiellini recalled shouting "you pay" towards Real Madrid players, a moment that was captured on camera and drew widespread criticism. He also mentioned a similar incident with referee Marco Rizzoli, emphasizing that he realized such behavior was unacceptable. "I told myself that I couldn’t act that way, but I had to try to help the referee since he’s a person just like me," Chiellini said, reflecting on the need for mutual respect and professionalism in the sport.
The 2015 Juventus Crisis and Buffon’s Role
Chiellini also touched on the 2015 Juventus crisis, a period marked by significant challenges for the club. He highlighted the pivotal role that Gigi Buffon played in supporting the team during this tough time. Buffon’s leadership and experience were instrumental in keeping the team’s morale high and helping them navigate through the difficulties. However, Chiellini also discussed a specific incident in 2018 when a penalty call by English referee Michael Oliver led to Juventus’s elimination from the Champions League. The incident was a turning point for Chiellini, who realized the importance of maintaining composure and respect for the officials, regardless of the stakes.
Chiellini’s Final Years and Transition
In 2022, Chiellini made the decision to leave Juventus and embark on a new chapter with LAFC, where he not only continued his playing career but also took on the role of a club director. "I left my heart there. I don’t know when, but I will return," he said, expressing a deep emotional connection to both his former club and his new home in Los Angeles. Chiellini’s move to LAFC was driven by a desire to stabilize his family, and he has since returned to Turin. However, he is not ruling out a potential return to Los Angeles, where he still sees a long-term future for himself and his family.
Italy’s National Team Journey
Chiellini’s career with the Italy national team has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. He was a key player in the team’s 2020 Euro win, a moment of immense pride and joy for both the team and the nation. However, he also experienced the disappointment of Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Despite these setbacks, Chiellini has always maintained a sense of confidence and belief in the team. "I’ve always been confident, even in the most difficult moments when I was part of the group," he said, underscoring his unwavering faith in the team’s capabilities.
Preparing for the 2026 World Cup
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, where Italy will aim to reclaim their place on the global stage, Chiellini believes there is no need to pile on additional pressure. "There’s no need to put additional pressure on the team, they know how important it is to return to playing in the World Cup," he stated. Chiellini emphasized the presence of experienced players within the squad who can guide the younger talent, ensuring a smooth transition and a focused approach to the qualifiers. "Hopefully, in 16 months, we’ll all be in the United States," he said, expressing optimism and a sense of anticipation for the upcoming tournament.
The Future of Italian Football
Reflecting on the broader landscape of Italian football, Chiellini noted a resurgence of enthusiasm and a strong desire for a fresh start. He highlighted the emergence of players with exceptional technical skills and strong human values, which he believes will contribute to the growth and success of the sport in Italy. "There’s a lot of enthusiasm and a strong desire for a fresh start with players with technical skills and strong human values," he said, painting a hopeful picture of the future. Chiellini’s insights provide a balanced and forward-looking perspective on both his personal journey and the collective aspirations of Italian football.
