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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Chiellini announces his retirement</li><li>Made over 700 appearances for club and country</li><li>Recently lost MLS Cup final to Crew 2-1</li></ul>

WATCH: Italy legend & LAFC star Giorgio Chiellini says goodbye to 'his everything' in tearful retirement video

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After announcing his <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/lafc-giorgio-chiellini-to-retire-after-mls-cup-final-defeat-colombus-crew-italy-juventus-boardroom-role/blta35c3283c6003abf" target="_blank">retirement earlier this morning</a>, Chiellini posted the clip on social media that highlights a soccer trading card from each year he played professionally. The cards represent different clips from his years as a footballer, covering his spells at Livorno, Fiorentina, Juventus and LAFC in MLS as well as his international career with Italy.

WHAT HAPPENED?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">You have been the most beautiful and intense journey of my life. You have been my everything. With you I have travelled a unique and unforgettable path. But now it is time to start new chapters, face new challenges and write further important and exciting pages of life. <a href="https://t.co/IjHDDE4jMe">pic.twitter.com/IjHDDE4jMe</a>— Giorgio Chiellini (@chiellini) <a href="https://twitter.com/chiellini/status/1734589051036918153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

WATCH THE CLIP

Chiellini is one of the most influential defenders in the history of the game - on both the international and club levels. Players feared him when pinned up next to him on the pitch, while goalkeepers knew they were in safe care with him in front of them. During his storied career, he made over 550 appearances for Juventus, and across club and country, over 700 in total. Now, as he hangs up his boots, it's the end of an era for a one-of-a-kind player, who was as gentle as could be off the pitch, but an absolute menace on it.His career may not have ended the way he intended, with a 2-1 loss in <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/columbus-win-2023-mls-cup-defeat-lafc-2-1/blt4f11b93ea13dc9a8" target="_blank">MLS Cup final</a> against the Columbus Crew, but the 39-year-old LAFC defender has decided it's time to exit the game he's treated us all with for so long.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Simply enjoy retirement and see what opportunities await. The 39-year-old defender has hinted at a potential return to Juventus in some form, but for now, he will take in some time away from the game.

WHAT NEXT FOR CHIELLINI

WATCH: Italy legend & LAFC star Giorgio Chiellini says goodbye to 'his everything' in tearful retirement video | Goal.com

Italian legend Giorgio Chiellini has announced his retirement from football, sharing a video showcasing highlights from throughout his career.