'I knew immediately I would miss dream final' - Chiellini Admits

The defender will miss Saturday's showdown with Barcelona with a calf injury, admitting that it would have been impossible for him to recover in time

By Odunayor

Giorgio Chiellini has admitted that he knew his dream of playing in the Champions League final would be snatched away from him as soon as he broke down in training on Thursday.

The Juventus defender was set to line up against Barcelona in Saturday’s showpiece, but suffered a calf injury two days ahead of the tournament decider in Berlin.

“I immediately realised the importance of the injury," Chiellini wrote on Twitter. "I hoped to be wrong or to be able to recover in record time as I have already done other times, but this time it was really impossible.

“Playing the Champions League final is a dream that me and millions of children have had, but sometimes destiny is weird.”

However, the Italy international was quick to send a rallying cry to his team-mates and the Juve supporters across the world.

“Juventus is made of great men and players, I’m sure my team will fight more on the field than ever," the 30-year-old added. "They will show the world the grit, the strength and the determination I would have put into this final and all together we will be able to achieve this dream.

“My friends, I will be with you tomorrow to cheer and suffer for the one and only goal… Win this cup!!!”

Chiellini was an ever-present in Juve’s run to the Champions League final.