[ad_1]
The Italy worldwide defender had the chance to affix the Premier League facet at 16 however turned down their advances to remain in his house nation
Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini has admitted that he regrets turning down the possibility to affix Arsenal once they tried to signal him on the age of 16.
Chiellini, who joined Juve in 2005, has develop into synonymous with the Italian champions, successful 9 Serie A titles and 4 Coppa Italia trophies, in addition to reaching the ultimate of the Champions League twice.
Nevertheless, the 36-year-old central defender has revealed that 20 years in the past he had the chance to signal for Arsene Wenger’s Gunners, however turned them down as a result of he didn’t wish to go away boyhood membership Livorno – a choice he now regrets.
In an interview with French journal So Foot, Chiellini says: “In hindsight, I used to be a idiot to say no that provide. I used to be 16, I performed in Serie C, I bought an enormous supply.
“I did not really feel prepared. If I had accepted, it might have given the impression of betraying Livorno.”
Chiellini is now into his sixteenth season with Juventus, however remained a participant of curiosity for Arsenal lengthy after their failed makes an attempt to recruit him as a young person.
Former Gunners striker Robin van Persie revealed in December 2020 that he had tried to influence Wenger to return for the now-established Italy worldwide, with the intention to increase Arsenal’s in the end futile makes an attempt to win the Premier League title.
Van Persie stated: “At a given second I felt referred to as upon to say what Arsenal might do higher with the intention to win the league. I felt we lacked a successful mentality, and requested Arsene Wenger to signal Giorgio Chiellini.
“I’ve performed towards him just a few instances, and he’s a real winner.
“He’s 36 years previous, however he’ll dish out 9 elbows each recreation with a smile on his face. He’ll hold smiling and by no means get a yellow card. You want these forms of winners and killers in your facet. I felt we must always get him.”
In his So Foot interview, Chiellini additionally revealed the respect he holds for AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, calling him the “finest enemy” he has had in his profession.
Chiellini stated: “I respect Zlatan quite a bit, we respect one another. We had been team-mates, in my first season at Juve. I used to be by no means afraid to face him, by no means took a step again in entrance of him. He already had extraordinary bodily energy.
“After that he grew to become the absolute enemy, when he moved. The very best enemy of my profession is Ibrahimovic, for sure.”
[ad_2]
Source link
