Giorgio Chiellini confirms Juventus return – ‘I want to win trophies’

Nicholas Hughes
Nicholas Hughes
  • Updated: 30 Jul 2021 03:48 CDT
  • 5 min read
How Juventus are planning for the post-Giorgio Chiellini era
© ProShots

Giorgio Chiellini will report for pre-season training at Juventus a national hero after captaining Italy to a first-ever European Championship crown over the summer.

Article continues under the video

The 36-year-old had a stellar tournament for Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri, but while all that was going on, his contract at Juventus expired on June 30.

Speaking to press in Livorno, where he played from the age of six until signing with Juventus in 2004, Chiellini confirmed he will be returning to Turin and is eager to take the Old Lady back to the top.

“I want to lift some more trophies, because it just makes you hungrier to do it again – and wearing the Juventus jersey without the Scudetto symbol on the chest represents an extra motivation,” he said.

“I need a few more days to rest and recover from the chaos of the last month, but on Monday I’ll be in Turin and happy to get started again.”

It will be the first time Chiellini will line up for the Bianconeri without the Scudetto symbol on his jersey since 2011.

Juve had won nine Serie A titles in a row but were dethroned by Inter last season, with club legend Andrea Pirlo sacked as head coach as a result after just the one season in the job.

Chiellini chasing a quick return to the top with Allegri in charge

That has prompted Juventus to get Massimiliano Allegri back at the helm. The Italian won five league titles in as many seasons as coach after taking over from Antonio Conte in 2014. Allegri also guided Juve to the Champions League final in 2017.

Chiellini and his teammates will be desperate to atone for a disappointing 2020/21 campaign with another title challenge next season, though the likes of the Milan clubs will ensure it is a tough battle once again.

Don’t miss the next big transfer!

Get the latest transfer insights and analyses directly in your mailbox.