Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini revealed he rejected moves to Arsenal and Inter when he was playing for Livorno in Serie C.
The Italy international started his career at Livorno, before he moved to Fiorentina in 2004 and then to Juventus a year later.
The 36-year-old spoke about what could have been, as the Gunners called and offered him a move to London 20 years ago and he admitted he foolishly rejected their approach.
Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini revealed he rejected moves to Arsenal and Inter when he was playing for Livorno in Serie C.
The Italy international started his career at Livorno, before he moved to Fiorentina in 2004 and then to Juventus a year later.
The 36-year-old spoke about what could have been, as the Gunners called and offered him a move to London 20 years ago and he admitted he foolishly rejected their approach.
“In hindsight, I was a fool to decline that offer,” he told So Foot. “I was 16, I was playing in Serie C and I received a huge offer of just under 200 million lire.
“Accepting it, then, would have given me the impression of betraying Livorno.”
He then revealed Inter wanted to sign him, but the youngster didn’t want to leave Livorno.
“One year they called me on January 31, to tell me: ‘You have to sign with Inter’,” he continued. “I refused. I was in my fourth year of high school, I didn’t want to go anywhere.”