Giorgio Chiellini has been offered a contract by MLS side LAFC after confirming he will leave Juventus at the end of the season.
The legendary Italian defender has 12 months to run on his contract in Turin but he’s confirmed he will walk away at the end of the season, following 18 years at the club.
The 37-year-old has won nine league titles and five Italian cups during his time with the club but Matthijs de Ligt was signed as his long-term replacement in 2019 and he’s ready to pass on the baton.
Speaking to Sport Mediaset, Chiellini confirmed he will end his time at the club at the end of the season.
‘We had these 10 magnificent years [referring to the nine Serie A titles in a row], it is up to the others to continue now,’ he told Sport Mediaset.
”I did everything I could, I hope that I left something.
‘On Monday I will say goodbye to my Stadium, then if I have still got something in the tank might have a run-out in Florence (in Juve’s final league game next weekend).
‘It is my choice 100 per cent, I am happy to leave at such a high level, because for many years I have 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.’
According to the Athletic, LAFC lead the race for Chiellini’s signature and they have gone as far as offering the defender a contract.
As the Californian side have opted not to make Chiellini a designated player, they can only offer him a maximum of £1.3m-a-year under the salary cap rules.
Vancouver Whitecaps are another MLS side that hold an interest and they could offer Chiellini a vastly superior salary should they choose to make him a designated player.
Chiellini’s move to North America – should he opt to make it – would occur early next year as next season’s MLS season commences in Spring.
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