A heartbroken Paulo Dybala was given an emotional farewell during his final game as a Juventus player – and he could not hold back the tears after being given a moving standing ovation.
The Old Lady could only secure a point against Lazio on Monday night, despite going 2-0 ahead in the first-half thanks to goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Alvaro Morata.
Maurizio Sarri's men managed to claw their way back into the game after goals from Alex Sandro [own goal] and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. But the headlines belonged to Juve forward Dybala, who said goodbye after seven years in Turin.
The 28-year-old forward, who has scored 115 goals in 291 appearances for Juventus since joining from Palermo in 2015, announced on social media that the game against Lazio would be his last for the Serie A giants.
"It is difficult to find the right words to greet you, there are so many years and so many emotions involved, all together," Dybala wrote. "I thought we would be together even more years, but fate puts us on different paths.
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"I will never forget everything you made me experience, every game, every goal. With you I grew up, I learned, I lived and I dreamed. It has been 7 years of magic, 12 trophies and 115 goals that no one will take away from us. Never.
"Thank you for supporting me in difficult times. Thanks to those who have accompanied me over the years: from the first to the last, from the fans to the people who work within the club, everyone, coaches and teammates, employees and managers.
"Wearing this important jersey together with the captain's armband has been one of the greatest pride of my life, which I hope to show to my children and grandchildren someday.
"Tomorrow will be my last match with this shirt, it's hard to imagine, but it will be our last farewell. It will not be easy, but I will enter the field with a smile and with my head held high, knowing that I have given everything for you."
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In the 77th minute, Dybala was given a standing ovation after being replaced by Martin Palumbo, as captain Giorgio Chiellini embraced the Argentine with a big hug on the touchline.
It was also an emotional night for Chiellini, who was also playing his final home game for Juventus, and after the final whistle, teammate Leonardo Bonucci penned an emotional letter to his friend.
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"Dear Giorgio. Where to start? I think it has to be from the end," he wrote. "Today is your day and the day the team, these colours, this dressing room starts to miss you.
"You have been an example, a guidance, a brother, a friend.
"We have shared more than 10 years together, we have rejoiced, we have suffered, we have worked hard, we have closed ranks together, we have fought, we have WON.
"Won a lot with Juve, won something unique with Italy. Being on the pitch alongside you, for me, has been a privilege, an honour.
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"Off the pitch even more so. I have learned from your being ready for anything.
"Best of luck to you, legend, for what's to come. Whatever it is, you will always do it as the top of the class.
"The invisible piece of rope which followed us onto the pitch will keep us tied together forever in my football battles, in the victories and in the more difficult moments.
"Thank you, Captain. I love you."
Topics: Paulo Dybala, Juventus, Serie A, Italy, Giorgio Chiellini
Jack Kenmare