Leonardo Bonucci celebrated his 500th appearance with Juventus by looking back at this career in a wide-ranging interview on the club’s official site. Among the tidbits, he said he would not play for much longer (via Sky).
“It will be the end of an era defensively speaking when I will retire next year. I’m proud for being part of the BBC along with Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli. I hope that many youngsters will consider that backline their idols one day.”
Bonucci took stock of his journey with the Bianconeri.
“Since day one, I’ve tried to be myself first and foremost, for better or for worse. I did everything to defend this jersey that was like a second skin for me. I’ve applied what it means to wear it to the letter, looking to learn from those that were greater than me. Afterward, I tried to be an example of these values and a leader. It was a 12-year-long dream.”
The defender recalled his lone campaign with Milan.
“I decided to return from the heart. Obviously, I was aware many people wouldn’t understand in the same way they didn’t comprehend my exit. It was tough, but I pulled all the stops to come back. It took me a while to convince the skeptics that the decision to leave was born out of anger and wasn’t completely mine. Instead, reversing it came from true love. Juventus have always meant the world to me. Staying put against somebody’s desire wouldn’t have been correct. I didn’t feel as important as in the past. Partying ways was necessary.”
Bonucci has appeared just 24 times this season due to various injuries. He’s currently out with a thigh strain.
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