Italian defender Chiellini to retire from international football

(Football news) Giorgio Chiellini is set to retire from international football after Italy’s friendly against Argentina in June. Having made 116 appearances for Italy, the 37 year old defender was part of the team that failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Speaking after Juventus’ 2-1 win against Sassuolo, Chiellini said “I'll say goodbye to the national team at Wembley. Where I experienced the pinnacle of my career winning the Euros. I'd like to say goodbye to the Azzurri with a nice memory. That will certainly be my last game with Italy.”

Chiellini made his debut for Italy in 2004 and was central to the national team’s famous Euro 2020 victory against England on penalties. Alongside Andrea Pirlo, Chiellini is joint fifth in the list of Italy’s most capped players with only Daniele de Rossi, Paolo Maldini, Fabio Cannavaro and Gianluigi Buffon making more appearances. 

Despite his decision to retire from international football, Chiellini is expected to continue in his role for Juventus. The Italian defender said “My love affair with Juventus is not ending, it will never end. Of course, from now to the end of the season I do have to evaluate everything, and talk to my family about what is best. Let's reach fourth place [in Serie A] first and win the Coppa Italia, then we'll sit down with my two families – at home and Juventus – to figure out what is best for everyone. It was the same last summer, I took time and didn't sign the new contract until after the Euros. At my age, you can't look too far into the long-term, but that's only natural, it's all fine."

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