Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has recently admitted that he regrets not joining Premier League side Arsenal when he had the chance 20-years ago.
READ MORE: Five reasons Liverpool’s Premier League title defence has collapsed already
Chiellini, 36, began his career with AS Livorno after joining their youth academy all the way back in 1990.
After departing AS Livorno in favour of a move to Fiorentina, the commanding centre-back grew to become one of Italy’s greatest ever defenders.
Despite arriving at Fiorentina in 2004, Chiellini spent just 12-months there before joining Serie A giants Juventus in a deal worth just £6.93m, as per Transfermarkt.
The veteran centre-back’s 16-years in Turin will see him go down as a club legend especially considering he’s featured in a whopping 521 matches, in all competitions.
Chiellini’s time at Juventus has seen the defender lift a remarkable 19-major trophies, including nine Serie A titles.
However, despite his hugely impressive career, Chiellini has revealed his path almost headed in a different direction entirely.
Speaking in a recent interview with French magazine ‘So Foot’ (as relayed by Goal), the experienced defender revealed he turned down the chance to join Arsenal, a decision he now regrets.
“In hindsight, I was a fool to decline that offer,” Chiellini said. “I was 16, I played in Serie C, I got a huge offer.
“I didn’t feel ready. If I had accepted, it would have given the impression of betraying Livorno.”