Even though he spent his career representing a club far from anything I support, meeting Giorgio Chiellini still felt significant.
For as long as I can remember, Chiellini lived and breathed Italy, for me he defined a generation of italian football
There’s one moment that defines that more than anything: the UEFA Euro 2020 Final. With Italy on the edge, he dragged back Bukayo Saka, a foul, which granted a European trophy, a moment which brought such joy to me and to an entire nation, a moment which we could wear on our sleeve as a proud sporting moment of excellence
A player who built his career on intelligence, timing, and an understanding of the game that went beyond technique. Internationally and at the club level, he defined an era.
A true legend of the sport, and one of the most quintessentially Italian footballers there has been.