From Chelsea And Juventus Glory To Colombia: Cuadrado’s Emotional Career U-Turn At 38

Former Juventus winger Juan Guillermo Cuadrado is heading back to where his professional football journey began, with the 38-year-old set to join Colombian club Millonarios after spending 17 seasons playing in Europe.

Millonarios announced the move on Thursday, welcoming one of Colombia’s most recognisable footballers back home. The club, the country’s second-most successful side behind Atletico Nacional, did not reveal the financial details of the agreement.

“After gracing some of the most important stages in world football, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado returns to Colombia to wear the Blue jersey and begin a new chapter of his career with Millonarios,” the club said.

Cuadrado began his professional career with Independiente Medellin before moving to Italy in 2009 to join Udinese. He later played for Lecce and Fiorentina, performances that eventually earned him a move to English giants Chelsea.

His time at Chelsea included a Premier League title in the 2014-15 season, although his most successful spell came after returning to Italy.

Cuadrado joined Juventus in 2015 and spent seven seasons with the Turin club, becoming an important part of a team that dominated Italian football. During his Juventus career, he won five Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia trophies and two Supercoppa Italiana titles.

Towards the latter stages of his European career, Cuadrado also represented Inter Milan, Atalanta and Pisa, adding to his experience across Italy's top flight.

At international level, Cuadrado was a key figure for Colombia, appearing at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He also represented his country in five Copa America tournaments.

After nearly two decades abroad, Cuadrado's move to Millonarios marks an emotional return to Colombian football and gives the veteran winger an opportunity to finish another chapter of his career on home soil.