Benatia: Thought I’d retire at Juve

Medhi Benatia admits he thought he would retire at Juventus, but the return of Leonardo Bonucci forced him to ‘change my plans’.

Benatia was a regular in Juve’s defence last season but fell out of favour after Bonucci came back from Milan, and the Moroccan suggested that was the cue for him to join Al-Duhail.

Medhi Benatia admits he thought he would retire at Juventus, but the return of Leonardo Bonucci forced him to ‘change my plans’.

Benatia was a regular in Juve’s defence last season but fell out of favour after Bonucci came back from Milan, and the Moroccan suggested that was the cue for him to join Al-Duhail.

He wrote on Instagram: “Hello everybody. After two very busy days, I wanted to take this opportunity to say goodbye to this great family at Juventus, the players, fans, staff, coaches, physios, kit-men… and the rest of the Juve family, which I will miss for sure.

“I leave behind a lot of friends who I hope to see again soon. You’ve all been the centre of my life for two-and-a-half years.

“We lived a lot of things together and achieved great success. In July I was certain I’d have finished my career with you all, but unfortunately life has some surprises in store for you so I had to change my plans, but always with the desire to win, while looking to also make a decision for my family.

“Thanks for the love. I understand someone don’t want to accept my choice, so I only ask you to respect it.

“Forza Juve, try to win everything with this wonderful group.”