Giorgio Chiellini prepares to launch his new autobiography next week. In his book ‘Io Giorgio’ the Juventus captain and defender pointed finger at both of his former teammates Mario Balotelli and Felipe Melo.
“I was let down by two players and I confirm everything I wrote in the book. Balotelli is a negative person, with no respect for the group. During the Confederations Cup against Brazil in 2013, he didn’t lend a helping hand for anything, he did deserve a slap.” Chiellini told Repubblica.
“Some people thought he was among the top strikers in the world, but I never even considered him in the top 10 or 20. However, there was someone worse, Felipe Melo: the worst of the worst.
“I cannot abide by people who lack respect, those who always want to be contrarians. With him around, it was permanently likely to break out into a brawl. I told the directors that, too, he is a bad apple.” Chiellini added.
Balotelli has joined his hometown club Brescia on a free transfer in July. Juventus on the other hand, have already faced Brescia twice this season.
When asked if he could face Balotelli’s side once again, Chiellini said Chiellini there’s no problem when they return to compete as Serie A rivals.
“I hold no ill-will, nor do I have any need for it. If I need to share something with these players, I will do so. I am not everyone’s best friend, but they are the only two who went beyond all acceptable limits.” Chiellini said.
“As far as I am concerned, the problem is not if you play badly or have a few nights out, but if you show a lack of respect and have nothing inside of you once can happen, but not if it’s a recurring theme.” Chiellini added.
