Giorgio Chiellini starts an extra season at Juventus. The 36-year-old centre-back, who celebrates his birthday on August 14, is signing a new one-year contract, he said in the Italian media. “I want to win some extra prizes,” said Chiellini, who is still enjoying his holiday after winning the European Championship with Italy.
Chiellini was technically clubless since July 1, but had no doubts about a longer stay at Juventus. “I need a few more days to rest and recover from the chaos of the past month, but I will return to Turin on Monday,” said the experienced mandekker. “I’m glad I can get back to work.” Juventus will start without a Scudetto symbol on the shirt for the first time in nine years, as Internazionale became champions last season.
“Wearing the Juventus shirt without the Scudetto symbol provides extra motivation to win new trophies,” Chiellini looks ahead to the new season. The defender previously won the World Cup in 2006 with Italy and thus added a European Championship title this summer. “It’s nice to play football for your club, but winning a prize as captain of your national team, you can only dream of that.” Chiellini has been playing for Juventus since 2005, when he took over from Fiorentina. He has made 525 appearances for the club, producing 36 goals and 24 assists.
Chiellini’s contract extension does not come completely out of the blue, because trainer Massimiliano Allegri spoke about it earlier. “I have a number of experienced players, especially Cristiano Ronaldo, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, who set an example,” said the coach. “They have to make the younger players understand what it means to play for Juventus.” According to Italian and Spanish media, Juventus is in the process of taking over Miralem Pjanic on a rental basis from Barcelona. For that, Aaron Ramsey must first be sold, probably to a club from the Premier League.