da wazamba： LAFC star defender, and Italian legend, Giorgio Chiellini has announced he is contemplating retirement ahead of MLS Cup on Saturday.

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Chiellini contemplating retirementMLS Cup 'could' be final game for defenderItalian legend is 39-years-oldWHAT HAPPENED?

Ahead of MLS Cup final between LAFC and the Columbus Crew on Saturday, the Italian defender spoke with media on Thursday. When asked about the idea of potentially retiring after the end of the current MLS season, Chiellini mentioned the idea was weighing on his mind – and body.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT CHIELLINI SAID

"I have to understand what I need to follow: My head, my heart or my legs, many different calls… It could be [my last game], we'll see," he said in a press conference Thursday.

He added to : "I don’t know, to be honest. The club is very open to me, and that’s important to me. I have to talk with the family and understand our goals. But I’ll stay in Los Angeles until June next year for sure. We’ll see."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

At 39-years-old, Chiellini is one of the oldest players in all of MLS, and his storied career at club and international level has seen him log over 700 total career matches. Now, as he nears the end, he has to listen to both his mind and body to determine if he is capable of playing one more year at a high and competitive level. If not, though, there are still options on the table of ways to stay in the professional game for the Italian, with a "return to Juventus" potentially on the cards.

The Italian added to 's report that "Yeah. I don’t want to be a liar — in my future, I see Juventus. I don’t know in what position, but it’s somewhere where I have spent almost half of my life. I’m still really connected to every one of them and I’m very happy they’re doing a good season. I’m looking forward to getting back to the stadium and watching them over the Christmas break, but I’m in no rush. I’m enjoying my life here with my family."

Crédito: GettyWHAT NEXT FOR CHIELLINI

MLS Cup is on Saturday, and the Italian has the chance to go back-to-back with club LAFC. In 2022, they defeated the Philadelphia Union in extra-time courtesy of an epic six-goal thriller followed by a penalty shootout. Now, they travel to take on the Columbus Crew looking to add to their trophy cabinet.