Giorgio Chiellini may have played his last match as a professional. The 39-year-old defender of Los Angeles FC hinted at his retirement after the defeat in the MLS final against Columbus Crew (0-1).
Chiellini became a champion in the United States in his first season with Los Angeles, but a title repeat was not to be.
On Saturday night, the former Juventus player couldn't prevent Columbus Crew from winning the playoffs for the MLS title. The 117-times capped Italian international was substituted at half-time.
'It was a great adventure. Unfortunately, one of the two teams had to lose,' Chiellini reacted in a press conference afterwards, where he was very open about his future. 'This might have been my last match. Now I'm going to spend time with my family and go back to Italy. Then I'll make a final decision.'
In the year and a half that Chiellini has played in the United States, the legendary defender has become enamored with the country's soccer. 'I am happy to be part of this league. It's improving rapidly. The Messi deal could be a boost for the competition. And I hope I can help it continue to develop.'
Whether that happens from Europe or the US, Chiellini left open. Earlier, the nine-time Italian champion, who became European champion with Italy two years ago, had expressed a desire to return to Juventus in a different role after his playing career. Chiellini played for The Old Lady for seventeen years.
