Italy legend Giorgio Chiellini discusses becoming something of an anti-hero for English fans, his new life at Los Angeles FC and the move to the Premier League that got away.
You moved to the United States last June and lifted the MLS Cup five months later. What has your time there been like as the new season gets under way with LAFC as defending champions?
It was the longest off-season of my career but I have time to prepare and I know the club now and my team-mates and what to expect during the next year.
What is important is we continue to be hungry and continue to try to find new energy, it’s not easy because after every win it’s normal to relax a little bit and we have to avoid that.
How much of a change was it after 18 years at Juventus?
I think I understood the league, I think I needed more time to understand the city because LA is too big! It’s a huge move and there are many things to find out but now me and my family are settled and I am very happy.
The people at the club helped me a lot. It was weird at the beginning with the weather. The games in Nashville and Kansas City were too hot for me! It was like a pre-season temperature, not a league game.
Did you think the chance to play abroad had gone?
I love to travel, to discover new places and new cultures. That’s something I missed in my career. In the past I talked about trying different leagues and different countries but I was lucky to be at Juventus and in the two or three ‘sliding doors’ of my career I was lucky to stay. Now I can see my past and I helped write the history of the club.
What else was on the table?
I had some offers from MLS. The club, the manager, the coach and the ownership convinced me to choose this club. I wanted to also find a club that could help me prepare for my future in sport business. I have a degree and I would like to work in soccer as a manager and here I have found the best possible place, the ownership were so kind and nice and (LAFC coach) Steve [Cherundolo] called me to tell me what he thought about what I could give to the team.
Were you ever close to moving to England?
Not so close. Some talks but to be honest, no. I had a talk with [Roberto] Mancini when he was at Manchester City but to be honest it was not so close. For my physical skills, the Premier League is my league… but before 30 to be honest, not after 30!
What did you make of the stick you got for fouling Bukayo Saka in the Euros final?
After a little bit of time, I was hurt. For me, it doesn’t matter but I hope when something happens on the pitch, we can joke. He’s playing very well, I have to congratulate him. The only way to catch him is that way!
Thiago Silva has really been Chelsea’s best player this season at the age of 38. How long can he play on for?
He’s unbelievable! He plays every game and very well. He surprised me – and not because he’s not good but because he’s older than me! It’s not easy to do that and play every game. He has to be lucky in the future, to not have big injuries. I did my anterior cruciate ligament at 35 and it completely changed my body. It was hard after that, to remain at my level and consistently. If he’s lucky, he can play until 41, 42 easily.
It’s the World Cup, in the US, in three years’ time. Will we see you come out of international retirement for that?
No, no! For sure I will be here [but] not playing. At 42? No, no, no!
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MORE : Giorgio Chiellini admits ‘surprise’ at Fikayo Tomori’s progress since leaving Chelsea for AC Milan
MORE : Giorgio Chiellini sends message to Paul Pogba ahead of Juventus switch
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