Juventus: A two-time Italian champion bids farewell to soccer at age 38
Mauricio Isla has decided to hang up his cleats. At 38, the Chilean winger has called it quits after his latest stint back home with Colo Colo, the club he had left last winter. After a few months as a free agent, he made the final decision to end a career that also included stints in Italy.
He was brought to Italy by Udinese under Pasquale Marino and Francesco Guidolin, before transferring to Juventus, where he won the Italian championship twice under Antonio Conte. Also worth noting is his stint with Cagliari during the 2016–17 season, his last in Serie A.
The Friuli-based club paid tribute to its former player with a farewell message on its official channels: “An extraordinary career, which also included a time in Udine. Mauricio Isla is retiring from professional soccer after 19 years. Five seasons and many memorable moments shared together in black and white. Good luck, Huaso.”
With the summer transfer window now closed, Juventus is planning several contract extensions. In particular, the focus is on Kalulu, Conceicao, and Nico Gonzalez—all three key players in coach Spalletti’s plans. Kalulu has won over the club and the fans. He has a contract guaranteed through June 2029. The plan is to extend his contract by one or two years, perhaps with a raise from his current salary of 2.5 million euros.
Conceicao is under contract with the Old Lady through 2030, but there is a desire to keep him around even longer. Nico Gonzalez (whose current contract with the Bianconeri expires in 2029) has earned Spalletti’s trust and could now commit to Juventus for a longer period.
These moves are intended to ensure continuity for the project but also to give Juventus some financial breathing room. Longer contract terms also mean investments can be spread out more effectively over time, and—given UEFA’s financial fair play rules—it’s best to avoid unpleasant situations that could undermine the club’s financial health. In short, on the one hand there is the desire to keep the club’s best players for as long as possible, and on the other, the need to manage the club’s finances in the best possible way.
