Giorgio Chiellini, Juventus defender, has admitted his regrets at turning down the chance to join Arsenal when they tried to sign him at 16.
Chiellini, who joined Juventus in 2005, has gone on to win nine Serie A titles and four Coppa Italia trophies.
The 36-year-old has also reached the final of the Champions League twice.
However, Chiellini has now revealed he rejected a transfer to Arsenal because he did not want to leave his boyhood club Livorno.
In an interview with French magazine So Foot, he said: “In hindsight, I was a fool to decline that offer. 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.”
