Andrea Barzagli Leaves Juventus Coaching Staff Due To Personal Reasons

Former Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli has left his position in Maurizio Sarri’s backstaff after just a few months claiming, ‘I am making a lifestyle choice.’

Having retired at the end of last season, the now 39-year-old, who made a total of 281 appearances for the Old Lady, returned to the club as an assistant manager under Sarri last September.

Juventus’ stars recently returned to training last week and Barzagli has come out to confirm he is leaving the Serie A champions.

It is understood that the former Italy international wants to spend more time with his family before he eventually decides to move into some sort of coaching capacity. He has however left the Old Lady on good terms, should he decide to head back in the future.

“I have decided to make a lifestyle choice,” revealed the 39-year-old on Instagram.

“It was a choice made with the heart! That doesn’t mean it wasn’t tough. I felt the need to enjoy my family more, who supported and accompanied my professional choices in silence for all these years.

“I chose to prioritise, today, one family over another, Juventus, who I will always be eternally grateful to. But this was the right choice for me to make.

“My thoughts go to those who showed me the utmost respect and total support, both professional and personal. The President, the coach, Fabio and Pavel. Figures who contributed to my growth and with discretion and friendship walked alongside me.

“There are so many I have to say THANK YOU to. Teammates, fans, professionals who work every day to make Juventus what it is! I can sum it all up in one gigantic phrase: #finoallafine (until the end) Forza Juventus! Always yours, Andrea!”

As Juventus’ official website has previously stated: “He arrived here silently, and he became a leader of high values, passion, dedication, hunger, and much more. With a record of eight consecutive Scudetti, his No.15 jersey will be hung in the Juventus Museum.”

The club legend will be greatly missed around the training ground and in the technical area by the fans who have become attached to the champion. The Bianconeri have also said he is “a true, silent and precious leader of a dressing room overflowing with personality.”

Barzagli will now get to cheer on his beloved Juve as a fan and will no doubt be relishing the return of Serie A which is expected to resume on June 13.