Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini, has revealed he almost joined Real Madrid during his illustrious career only for the move to be scuppered by former Los Blancos Boss Jose Mourinho.

In an interview with MARCA on Saturday, the Italian World Cup winner revealed a move to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu was discussed a few times in the past, but never materialised.

“I was close to Real Madrid in 2010, a long time ago, but for Mourinho,” Chiellini told MARCA.

“I didn’t know very well [why it fell through] because I was young, but in the end the club didn’t find a deal.

“But, I think I was lucky to spend all my career in Juventus because I made history with Juventus.

“But, for sure, Real Madrid are always a fantastic team.”

In his book, Chiellini went further to reveal why he didn’t join Real Madrid at the peak of his career at the age of 25.

“In 2010 I could have signed for Real Madrid, and in 2011 for Manchester City,” he wrote in his autobiography.

“In the case of Real Madrid, my agent spoke to a representative of Real Madrid, I was very close to going.

“But [Jose] Mourinho just arrived and he demanded at all costs to sign his compatriot Ricardo Carvalho, so Juventus were happy to keep me.”

Carvalho went on to play 77 times for Los Blancos in his third spell working with the Portuguese tactician, while Chiellini remained at Juventus for another 12 years.

Meanwhile, the defensive stalwart also revealed Premier League side Manchester City made an effort to sign him in 2011 after his failed to Madrid in 2010.

“I also met with some directors from Manchester City in Milan, but in the end nothing happened,” he added on the interest of the Citizens in his services a year later.

Instead, Chiellini went on to make 559 appearances for Juventus, winning Serie A nine times in the process.