Italy great Leonardo Bonucci retires from professional football
World Cup-winner Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci retired from professional football at the age of 37 on Wednesday. The defender, who joined Fenerbahçe in the January transfer window following an ill-fated transfer to Union Berlin last summer, played his last match against Istanbulspor, which his team won 6-0. “It was a pleasure for me to be a part of this wonderful family. I tried to show my best on and off the field, but most importantly, we will fight our last battle tomorrow. I want to finish my career with a cup, and we have a chance to become champions tomorrow,” Bonucci told Fenerbahce in its official statement. He concluded his words by saying, “I thank everyone.” “I have personally seen in him many times what a leader should be like. I thank him very much for always being there for the team on and off the field, said Hakan Yandas, one of Fenerbahce’s captains. BONUCCI’s GLORIOUS CAREER Bonucci began his professional journey with Inter Milan in 2005. Despite limited appearances for the Nerazzurri, he demonstrated significant potential, leading to loan spells at Treviso and Pisa, where he honed his skills. It was his move to Bari in 2009 that truly marked the beginning of his rise. Partnering with Andrea Ranocchia, Bonucci’s performances under the tutelage of coach Gian Piero Ventura caught the attention of Juventus, who secured his services in 2010. ðèð®ð¹ Leonardo Bonucci retires from professional football, decision made. Former Juventus and Italian NT defender leaves after last season at Fenerbahçe. “Bonucci and Chiellini… they could go to Harvard University to give classes about how to be a CB”, Mourinho said in 2018. pic.twitter.com/e6g1IVFo6B — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 29, 2024 Bonucci’s tenure at Juventus stands as the cornerstone of his career. Over 12 seasons with the Bianconeri, he made over 400 appearances and won a staggering array of titles, including nine Serie A championships, four Coppa Italia trophies, and five Supercoppa Italiana titles. His partnership with Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli in Juventus’ defense, famously known as the “BBC,” became legendary, forming one of the most formidable defensive units in football history. His time at Juventus was briefly interrupted by a high-profile transfer to AC Milan in 2017, where he was appointed captain. However, Bonucci returned to Juventus just a year later, reaffirming his commitment to the club where he achieved his greatest successes. Bonucci’s contributions to the Italian national team are equally noteworthy. Earning his first cap in 2010, he amassed over 100 appearances for the Azzurri. He played a crucial role in Italy’s journey to the UEFA Euro 2012 final and was instrumental in their triumph at UEFA Euro 2020. His performance in the Euro 2020 final, including a crucial equalizing goal and a successful penalty in the shootout against England, exemplified his tenacity and composure under pressure. Published By: Saurabh Kumar Published On: May 30, 2024