Bonucci confesses his love for Chiellini’s departure

Chiellini confirmed after the 4-2 defeat of the Italian Cup by Inter in the middle of the week that this season will be his last for Juventus, for which the 37-year-old has played since 2004 and won 20 trophies in Turin.

The veteran defender has already announced that he will leave the Italian national team after the meeting with Argentina at Wembley Stadium on June 2 (AEST).

It will be a fitting end for Chiellini after he won the Euro 2020 title at Wembley after winning a penalty shootout against England last July along with his longtime team-mate Banucci.

Reports in Italy suggest that Chiellini may choose to play in MLS before taking advantage of his extensive experience in management or coaching.

Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that Bonucci will take the captain’s armband at Juve in the next campaign, and the central defender hastened to praise his colleague Chiellini.

The defensive duo together won eight Serie A titles and won the Italian Cup five times, and also helped Juventus reach the Champions League final in 2015 and 2017.

Bonucci posted on Instagram: “Dear Georgia, where to start?

“I think it should be from the end. Today is your day and the day when the team, these colors, this dressing room starts to miss you. You were an example, a leadership, a brother, a friend.

“We spent more than 10 years together, we were happy, we suffered, we worked hard, we beat the ranks together, we fought, we won.

“I won a lot with Juve, I won something unique with Italy. Being on the field next to you was a privilege and an honor for me. Off the field even more. I learned from you to be ready for anything.

“Good luck to you, legend, in what will happen.

“The invisible piece of rope that has followed us on the field will keep us connected forever in my football battles, in victories and in more difficult moments.

“Thank you, Captain. I love you.”

The clash with Lazio on Monday at the Allianz Stadium will be Chiellini’s last home for the Old Lady.