Claudio Marchisio announces his retirement from football

We all knew this day was coming, but are saddened no less, especially with the knowledge that a boy born and raised into the Juventus way of life had to say farewell wearing the colours of another club.

Claudio Marchisio, dubbed Il Principino (little/young prince), has decided to hang up his boots and retire from the world of football.

In a statement released through his social media channels (see below), the 33-year-old said -

“I’d made a promise to the kid who dreamt to become a football player. I would have played until I had felt the marvel of the dream coming true by stepping into the pitch. In the past months my mind and my heart went through mixed feelings and I finally understood I wasn’t fulfilling my promise anymore. There are times when it is right for the heart to prevail over the mind, that’s why I prefer to stop.

“I have no regrets, also thanks to my family that has taught me to eagerly look into the future. So, thank you dream! You gave me courage, strength, success and, above all, joy!”

On Twitter -

On Instagram -

Marchisio had been with the Bianconeri since the tender age of seven, and only left the club after struggling with injury and seeing his playing time reduced two seasons ago, playing a year at Zenit St. Petersburg.

He featured 389 appearances for the Juve senior side, scoring 37 goals and picking up 43 assists, lifting seven Scudetti between 2012-18, four Coppa Italia trophies and three Italian Super Cups, as well as reaching two Champions League Finals.

The versatile midfielder featured in two World Cup squads for Italy and was in the squad that reached the Euro 2012 final, picking up 55 senior caps in the process along with 5 goals and 4 assists.

Good luck in your future Claudio, and hope to see you back in the Juventus fold sooner than later!