Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini calls himself a fool over Arsenal transfer decision

Giorgio Chiellini says he was a idiot to show down Arsenal when the Gunners got here calling on the age of 16.

The Italy centre-back was taking part in for Serie C facet Livorno on the time and felt that any exit would have betrayed his boyhood membership.

Chiellini, in fact, went on to seal a transfer to Juventus in 2005 the place he is been a vital first crew star ever since.

The 36-year-old has performed 518 instances for the Previous Girl and has gained 9 Serie A titles, 4 Coppa Italias and reached the ultimate of the Champions League twice.

However regardless of all that, Chiellini regrets his determination to show down Arsene Wenger ‘s Arsenal.

“In hindsight, I used to be a idiot to say no that provide,” he advised Goal. “I used to be 16, I performed in Serie C, I obtained an enormous supply.

“I did not really feel prepared. If I had accepted, it could have given the impression of betraying Livorno.”

Nevertheless it would not be the one time Chiellini discovered himself on Arsenal’s radar.

A few years later, when Robin van Persie performed for the membership, the Dutchman pleaded with Wenger to usher in Chiellini.

“At a given second I felt known as upon to say what Arsenal might do higher with a view to win the league,” van Persie stated.

“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“He’s 36 years outdated, however he’ll dish out 9 elbows each sport with a smile on his face.

“He’ll preserve 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.”

It wasn’t to be, nonetheless, and Chiellini is now taking part in in his fifteenth season at Juventus.