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

Added at:
Source: Serie A

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".

NewsRSS - News - Terrikon

14 November

19:09
Shakhtar Duo Alisson Santana and Marlon Gomes Make Brazil Debuts
15:15
Bayern Dealt Injury Blow as Alphonso Davies Suffers Another Setback
11:39
Artem Dovbyk Calls on Ukraine to Deliver Emphatic Response Against Northern Ireland
11:03
Mohamed Salah Becomes Egypt’s All-Time Leading Goalscorer in Malawi Rout
09:11
Argentina Lose to Uruguay in First Match Without Lionel Messi
09:00
Achraf Hakimi Brace Powers Morocco to Dominant 5-1 AFCON Qualifying Win Over Niger
08:14
Andorra Goalkeeper Jesús Owono Handed 12-Match Suspension Following Fatal Collision
00:18
Germany Cruise Past Serbia 3-1 in Rain-Soaked Nations League Clash
00:11
Tijjani Reijnders Shines as Netherlands Thrash Greece 7-0 to Seal Nations League Quarter-Final Spot

13 November

22:32
Lionel Messi Set to Play in Argentina Again as Inter Miami Schedule River Plate Friendly
22:05
Portugal to Stage Major Pre-Match and In-Game Tribute for Retiring Cristiano Ronaldo
21:35
Roberto De Zerbi Named Premier League Manager of the Month for October
15:52
Official: Mauricio Pochettino Appointed Head Coach of Manchester United
13:27
Ronaldinho Arrives in Italy Ahead of Shock Serie C Derby Appearance
12:59
David Beckham to Be Inducted into National Soccer Hall of Fame
12:32
Dayot Upamecano Departs France Camp Early Due to Family Reasons
12:01
Zinchenko's Chances of an Ajax Return Near Zero Despite Training Comeback
00:29
Harry Kane Fires England into Nations League Quarter-Finals on Record-Breaking Night
00:15
Spain Beat Czechia 2-0 in Nations League to Extend Unbeaten Run to 43 Matches
00:04
First Defeat of the Zidane Era: France Fall 3-1 to Italy at San Siro

12 November

23:59
Historic Milestone: Harry Kane Breaks All-Time England Appearance Record
21:45
Belgium Snatch Comeback Victory in Turkey to Secure Top Seed for Euro Draw
17:59
Crystal Palace Sack Pierre Sage in Second Premier League Managerial Departure of the Day
17:38
Aston Villa Star Johan Manzambi Withdraws from Switzerland Squad Due to Calf Injury
14:00
Pau the Impeccable: Everything We Know About the New Golden Boy Winner