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

22 January

22:45
UEL: Aston Villa Seal Knockout Spot in Istanbul
22:34
UEL: Lyon Book Place Among Europa League Elite
21:59
UEL: Bologna Rescue Point Against Ten-Man Celtic
01:29
UCL: Barcelona Win in Prague Overshadowed by Pedri Injury Scare
01:13
UCL: Hard-Fought Chelsea Win Over Pafos
01:12
UCL: Kane Double Fires Bayern Munich into Top Eight
00:54
UCL: Newcastle's Win Over PSV Marred by Captain’s Injury
00:44
UCL: Marseille Crushed by Liverpool

21 January

22:17
UCL: Atletico Madrid Drop Points Against Galatasaray
09:11
Kylian Mbappe Matches Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League Group Stage Record
00:32
UCL: Tottenham Triumph Over Borussia Dortmund:
00:31
UCL: Arsenal Triumphs in Milan, Matching Liverpool’s Record
00:21
UCL: PSG Hit by Misfortune as Luis Suarez Punishes Luis Enrique’s Side
00:11
UCL: Real Madrid Destroy Monaco in Ruthless Display

20 January

23:47
Marc-Andre ter Stegen Joins Girona
21:59
UCL: Manchester City Suffer Shock Defeat in Norway
08:23
Morocco Call for Replay of Africa Cup of Nations Final Finale
03:39
Official: Marc Guehi Completes Move to Manchester City
00:39
Wonder Goal Rescues Brighton Against Bournemouth
00:20
Sevilla Find a Lifeline: Akor Adams Ends the Losing Run
00:02
Como Conquer Rome: Lazio Crushed at the Stadio Olimpico

19 January

00:33
Shock at Anoeta: Barcelona Slip Up as Real Madrid Close the Gap
00:09
Kings of Africa: Senegal Overthrow Morocco in an Epic Final

18 January

22:57
Malen’s Dream Debut and Dybala’s Class: Roma See Off Torino Away from Home
22:20
Everton End Aston Villa’s Winning Run at Villa Park