I played 442 times for Juventus and Italy but wanted to sign for Sunderland and Roy Keane

Italian legend Giorgio Chiellini has revealed he wanted to sign for Roy Keane when he was managing Sunderland in 2007.

The Black Cats have come close to signing many big names in the past and now another has been added to their list of ‘what ifs’. Chiellini, who won 117 caps in a glittering career, was just establishing himself at Juventus when Keane was in charge at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland had travelled to Italy for a friendly and it was there that the Irishman heard of the youngster’s availability. Speaking on The Overlap, Chiellini, now 40, admitted he had said yes to his agent over a proposed move to Sunderland.

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However, the former defender then joked he was saying yes to playing for Keane and it wasn’t a move to Wearside which excited him.

In the end, an issue over the transfer fee (thought to be between £10-15m ) prevented a deal from being struck so Sunderland fans never did witness the sheer quality of Chiellini.

The Italian hardman went on to have a lucrative career winning 25 senior competitions, winning the EURO’s in 2021 and making 425 appearances for Juventus.

“Yeah, there were talks, but agents (prevented the move).” Keane told The Overlap in a conversation with Chiellini. "You played for Juventus against Sunderland in 2007. Just a pre-season friendly. And after the game, people who were working with Sunderland were saying that you could be available, you were a young player. I think there were definitely chats."

Chiellini confirmed: "I said yes. I said yes to my agent. Not to Sunderland, to him (Keane)!"

Chiellini joins a list that includes Diego Maradona, Ivan Rakitic, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ruud van Nistlerooy of players that previous Sunderland bosses tried to tempt to the Stadium of Light.