Giorgio Chellini, 35 has seen enough of life having participated in the Italy 2006 World Cup victory, leader at Juventus and isn’t showing signs of a slowdown despite his return from a career ending injury and will go down as one of the finest and lethal defender of his generation.
Chiellini continued to study while playing for Juve, earning a Masters’ Degree in Business Administration, he said : “I have a fortunate life, so remembering that in bad moments helps you focus that anger.”
“I was already playing in Serie B at 19, so I didn’t get to study. When I had some free time, I thought why just go on the PlayStation? I’d do something different and managed to get the three-year degree done in four years thanks to a study plan.
“There are those who are 17 years old and have so much pressure on them, so many expectations that it ruins their careers. I am grateful that I had trials at Juventus, Inter and Milan, but Livorno insisted on keeping me, because it meant I got to have a normal adolescence.
“In my view, there are two really difficult things about being a professional football player. The first is keeping your feet on the ground, the second is dealing with solitude. You need mental strength within you to emerge from those dark moments. Family also helps, as the business makes you become more egocentric, so at home you’re brought back down to earth.
“Future plans? I will play another year, then I’ll see how I feel and how my legs hold up. I could retire next summer or have another season after that. I would like to continue in the world of football, probably more a directorial role than management, but you never know in life.I hope to be able to play in the delayed Euro 2020, so I can also act as a nanny to the talented young players in the squad. It’s coming full circle.”
The Italian defender is in his 15th year with the Biaconeri, he has won eight consecutive Serie A titles from 2012 to 2019, as well as four consecutive Coppa Italia titles, and four Supercoppa Italiana titles with Serie A Defender of the Year award also three times: in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
