The winner of an EURO with Italy, the nine-time champion of Serie A and the newcomer in the ranks of Los Angeles, Giorgio Chiellini, recalled the earlier period of his career and how he was close to becoming a member of the Royal Club.”I was one step away from signing for Real Madrid. Davide Lippi, my agent, knows the story better than I do, because I’m not interested in things off the field. I’m only focused on playing, but I was very close to signing for Real. It would be a good experience because I like to travel. I missed getting to know new cultures. Maybe that’s why I came to play in the USA,” Chiellini said.##NAJAVA_MECA_7217536##It was expected that this would happen, considering that he was considered one of the best defenders during his career, but the Italian believes that he would not make a good impression in La Liga.”I don’t think I’m a player that suits the Spanish style of football. I would have had a career like Cannavaro and Samuel, who went to Spain and spent two, three years there. I would have preferred the English style of football, but when you’re over 30, it’s hard to follow any style of play. In those two, three seasons, there are always younger players who can replace you. Real Madrid’s interest was an honour, but I can say I’m happy with how things ended. To be able to write history in a club like Juventus, not everyone can do it,” the Italian says with satisfaction.He played for the Old Lady for 16 years and is certainly one of the best players who defended the colors of Juventus. During his career, Chiellini played eight times against Real Madrid and managed to beat the Madrid team in four matches. However, one of the most difficult defeats was certainly in 2016, when in the final of the Champions League, Juventus were outclassed 4-1 and the dream of winning the trophy of the elite European competition was extinguished.##EDITORS_CHOICE##The three-time Serie A best player has an interesting prediction about the participants of the Champions League final for the 2022/23 season.”My prediction for this year’s final is Inter – Manchester City. But Real Madrid are also very strong. Just remember the comeback against PSG in the round of 16 last year. In the last 15 minutes, everything changed and Madrid won 3-1. I think that sooner or later, Manchester City have to reach the final and that’s why I believe it will be this year,” predicted Chiellini.The Italian defender spoke on the future and revealed the plans he is considering.”I would like to play for a long time. I’m not tired in my head, but my body is and it gave me some signs that it’s time to stop. Honestly, after the end of my career, I would like to stay in the world of football more on the managerial side, than on the coaching side,” concluded the central defender of Los Angeles.Benzema’s third hat-trick in April, Rodrygo as Redondo reincarnated
