Chiellini: I was a fool to reject Arsenal

Juventus captain, Giorgio Chiellini, has called himself a fool because he turned down Arsenal.

Chiellini started off as a promising defender at Livorno, and in 2001 he attracted interest from Arsenal – who were then a European giant and regular challengers for the Premier League title under Arsene Wenger, boasting stars such as Thierry Henry and Denis Bergkamp.

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He was just 16 at the time when he was approached by the Gunners and says he regrets rejecting their advances – admitting it was ‘a huge offer’ but that he simply didn’t feel ready to leave Livorno.

“In hindsight, I was a fool to decline that offer. I was 16, I played in Serie C, I got a huge offer,” he told So Foot.

“I didn’t feel ready. If I had accepted, it would have given the impression of betraying Livorno.”