Following Juventus’ 4-2 defeat to Inter in the Coppa Italia final, Giorgio Chiellini confirmed his departure at the end of the season.
The veteran centre-back has been with the Bianconeri for 17 years, winning 20 titles during that time.
He was denied a 21st goal as Inter won a dramatic match at the Stadio Olimpico.
Juve looked destined to salvage silverware from a poor season as second-half goals from Alex Sandro, assisted by Alvaro Morata, and Dusan Vlahovic gave them a 2-1 lead, reversing Inter’s stunning 10th-minute opener.
However, there was a late twist when Hakan Calhanoglu scored from the penalty spot to take the game to extra time, which Ivan Perisic also converted from 12 yards before sealing victory with an exquisite half-volley.
Chiellini, who previously refused to announce his future plans, stated: “We had these 10 beautiful years, it’s up to the players to continue now.” Chiellini is rumoured to have offers from MLS.
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“I did everything I could, I hope that I left something. On Monday I will say goodbye to my Juventus Stadium, then if I’ve still got something in the tank might have a run-out in Florence [against Fiorentina].
“It is my choice 100 per cent, I am happy to leave at such a high level, because for many years I’ve said I didn’t want to finish struggling and not being able to play at my level.
“I gave it my all, soon I will be the biggest Juventus fan from the outside. After so many years within this club, you cannot shake it off.”
Defeat means Juve will finish the season without a trophy for the first time since the 2010-11 campaign.
“It’s disappointing, especially as Inter certainly had more of the ball, but we had more than enough chances,” added Chiellini.
“Mattia Perin basically didn’t have to make a save, we conceded two fantastic goals and two penalties.
“Inter proved throughout the season they are stronger in all the head-to-head clashes, so that means something. I hope the anger of losing three out of four games against Inter will fire us up for next season.
“We know that you don’t win a Scudetto just in the big games, but every day. It’s a pity to end the season without trophies after a decade, but we need to use it as fuel for next season.”
