Giorgio Chiellini refuses to rule out retiring after MLS Cup Final and says he is undecided on his future… as Los Angeles FC star and Italy legend, 39, opens up on ‘dream’ 18 months in MLS

Giorgio Chiellini has admitted Saturday’s MLS Cup final could be his last game in professional football as the 39-year-old considers whether to call time on his illustrious career.

The LAFC defender, who joined the club in June 2022, told reporters on Thursday that the club is open to his return but he has not yet made a decision on his future.

“I still have my doubts,” he said. “I have to understand what to follow – my head, my heart, my foot. And there have been a lot of different calls in recent weeks.”

Chiellini, who mentioned tearing his cruciate ligament in 2019 while he was a Juventus player, also expressed gratitude that he is still playing.

Giorgio Chiellini could end his career after Saturday’s MLS Cup final against the team.

“Everything is a gift,” he said.

“I hope to win another cup… it’s a fantastic journey that I want to enjoy until the end.”

Los Angeles will face the Columbus Crew, who hope to repeat as MLS champions.

Regardless of the Italian legend, Chiellini thoroughly enjoyed his time in Los Angeles.

He was part of the LAFC team that beat the Philadelphia Union in a wild 2022 final (though he didn’t appear in the game) and spoke Thursday about his time in Southern California so far.

“I came last year with a lot of dreams and hopes,” he said. “But I could never have dreamed of what (I lived through) these 18 months. This is what entered my heart, my blood.”

“This is a wonderful experience that I share with my family. It was hard, I want to be honest, it was very hard, especially in the first months of last year when I arrived,” he continued, citing the fact that his family had to settle down and his daughters did not speak English.

However, Chiellini is now “loving everything” about Los Angeles and MLS as he prepares for what could be his final match.