Italian legend Giorgio Chiellini was very close to joining Arsenal
The former Juventus defender rejected joining the North London club
The 40 year old says that it was a bad decision taken by him at that time
Giorgio Chiellini is considered as a legend for both Italy and Juventus. He is being looked upon as an ideal defender for what he has achieved in his career. The 40 year old is now retired and is opening up about his career.
Arsenal fans hate Chiellini for his harsh last man tackle on their starboy Bukayo Saka in Euro 2020 final. But, now they Chiellini has opened up about his failed move to Arsenal which would have changed this scenario.
Giorgio Chiellini on his failed move to Arsenal
Chiellini was only 16 years old in 2000 when he was playing for Livorno in third division. At that time, Gunners went knocking his door and were sure that 16 year old Chiellini will agree to join them.
“I was playing (for a) third division team, in their academy, and I received a big offer from Arsenal at 16. They were sure that I would accept, and at 16 – a free tranfer. I didn’t want to leave my hometown club (for) free” – Chiellini speaking on The Overlap.
Later, the former Juve defender told his agent that he does not want to leave for free. Chiellini then signed a contract with Livorno and his club asked for a lot of money to Arsenal. As a result, the deal failed.
https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1747367837088244046?t=jpE\_GDJMKTcvmIRHJnvI2g&s=19
Chiellini admits it was a bad decision at that time
Not joining Arsenal, ultimately paid of for Chiellini. He joined Juventus in 2005 with whom he won 9 Serie A titles. He also became Italy national team regular and guided them to Euro 2020 title. But, the 40 year old feels that it was bad decision at that time.
“I think if I had a son at that age I would tell him to go. You are in the third division, not at Juventus or AC Milan. It worked, but it was a bad decision at that time” – Chiellini admitting that he made bad decision.
It would have gone both ways if Chiellini had joined Gunners back in 2000. Maybe he would have fallen down the pecking order and necer reached his true potential. On the other hand, maybe he could have became an Arsenal legend and maybe won league titles regularly for them just as he did for Juventus.
Live Updates about Arsenal
Arsenal are set to welcome their arch rivals Man United to the Emirates. Gunners will plan to close in the gap between them and table toppers Liverpool. On the other hand, Man United are undefeated since Ruben Amorim took over and hence will hope to keep the steak going on for long time.
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