05 June 2018
Juventus Football Club can today confirm that right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner has joined Arsenal following the expiration of his contract with the Bianconeri.
The move brings an end to a stunningly successful seven-year spell with the Italian champions, which yielded seven Scudetti, four Coppa Italia titles and three Italian Super Cups.
In parting ways with Lichtsteiner, the Old Lady waves goodbye to a player whose contributions have irrevocably rewritten the club’s history books and whose remarkable professionalism stands as an example for anyone playing the game.
Stephan started his Bianconeri career as the scorer of the first-ever goal in a competitive fixture at Allianz Stadium and he now departs a seven-time Italian champion with a permanent place in the hearts of the club’s fans to whom he has given many years of magnificent service.
The timing of the dart in from the byline to collect Andrea Pirlo’s lofted pass, the impeccable first touch and the ice-cool finish against Parma on Allianz Stadium’s big day on 11 September 2011 was pure Lichtsteiner and proof of the 34-year-old’s extensive qualities.
From then on, Stephan went from strength to strength, playing 35 out of a possible 38 league matches as the Bianconeri sealed their first Scudetto in six seasons without losing a single game and he deservedly cemented his place as an immovable fixture down the team’s right-hand side for years to come.
That first season of success will naturally always be the most memorable, yet the seventh and most recent has immortalised the Juventus’ number 26 as part of the magnificent five.
He made telling contributions in his last campaign at the club making 32 apperances in all competitions and registering three assists including the one that sparked Juve's dramatic comeback at Wembley Stadium against Tottenham.
Amongst the many highlights in Lichtsteiner's Juve career will be the return to first-team action just one month after undergoing heart surgery in 2015 with a fabulous volleyed goal against Borussia Monchengladbach, with Stephan producing the kind of response to adversity that only he is capable of.
His resilience, sacrifice, desire and dedication ensure that the 'Swiss Express' will always be remembered fondly by Juventus fans.
Vielen Dank, Stephan.
