Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci confirms he will retire next season

Juventus veteran and current captain Leonardo Bonucci has revealed that he will retire from the game next season.

Bonucci has struggled with injuries this season and while he did make a comeback to action recently, he picked up an injury in the Europa League clash against Sevilla. But the Italian has now made 500 appearances for the Bianconeri, joining a list of legendary Old Lady heroes.

In an interview with the official Juventus website though, the veteran defender has revealed that he will bid farewell to the sport at the end of next season. 

He said: “Next year I will stop playing and I think an era will end. For me it is a pride to have been there, I hope one day many young players from the Juventus defence will consider us as idols.”

Bonucci is in his second stint at Juventus as his first one had ended with his move to Milan but the second one started a season later, as he had returned from the Rossoneri in a deal which also involved Gonzalo Higuain and Mattia Caldara. 

His former teammate Giorgio Chiellini bid adieu to Juve at the end of last season and Bonucci’s retirement will mark the end of an era for the club.

Kaustubh Pandey | GIFN