Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa has expressed his desire to return to Italy, with Juventus holding a special place in his heart. The 26-year-old finished the season with limited playing time for the Reds, making 726 minutes and scoring 3 goals, a situation he finds unsatisfactory. Chiesa stated that while he began the season well, his playing time diminished significantly in 2026, though he maintains a good relationship with the club and manager Slot, who informed him he was needed due to squad depth during an injury crisis.
Despite winning the Premier League with Liverpool last season, Chiesa is seeking more consistent football. He confirmed that a potential return to Juventus was discussed, but a deal ultimately failed to materialize. The Italy international addressed concerns surrounding his withdrawal from the national team in March, attributing it to existing physical problems he carried into the international camp, which were later confirmed by medical staff and resulted in a week and a half of recovery with Liverpool.
Chiesa emphasized the importance of playing regularly to remain in contention for the Italian national team, stating he needs over 1000 minutes per season at club level. He remains committed to representing Italy and was visibly upset by their failure to qualify for the World Cup, admitting he couldn’t even watch the penalty shootout. He praised national team manager Luciano Spalletti and former coach Roberto Mancini, also mentioning the positive impact of Paulo Sousa during his time at Fiorentina.
The winger is open to various options, including a move to Como, praising their coach Fabregas and their impressive performance in Serie A. However, his preference remains a return to Juventus, where he feels a strong connection. He clarified that reports of demanding high wages were inaccurate, stating that the club, under Giuntoli and Thiago Motta, informed him he was not in their plans. Chiesa believes Juventus had found equilibrium under Spalletti, but was surprised by their eventual finish. He also expressed regret over Dusan Vlahovic’s departure from the club, recognizing his quality as a striker.
He also discussed his relationships with former teammates Mohamed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo, praising their character and talent. Chiesa is currently preparing for pre-season with Liverpool, after which he will discuss his future with the club and new manager Iraola.
