Chiellini: I hope the fans will remember me as a good person

Giorgio Chiellini is preparing for his final game with Italian national team. On Wensday reigning European champions will take on Argentina in the inaugural Finalissima at Wembley.

Speaking to UEFA.com Chiellini explained, how it feels to be saying goodbye to his career.

"It has been, without a doubt, better than I could ever have imagined. When you're a kid, you dream of playing for the national team, because that's the ultimate. The thought of being able to play more than 100 games over the course of 18 years, being captain, and lifting an important cup like I did last year at Wembley was the icing on the cake.

I hope the fans will remember me as a good person. A person who personified [certain] values. On the pitch I have my strengths and weaknesses, and some will remember both. In the long run, you'll always remember the nicer things, that's normal.

What would I say to my younger self? Always work with passion, try to get better and have fun. It's a job, but it's the best hobby and fun a kid can dream of. There always has to be a balance in everything, in life and in football. Only if there is balance, and you're able to manage things in the right way and at the right time, can you make the mistakes a young guy will make.

I'm at peace. I feel happy with what I achieved and a little bit of pride for what I achieved in my career. But more than that, I am proud of the core values that I've passed on, and of the affection that people I've met".