New Milan signing Leonardo Bonucci admits “I thought there would be a bit more skepticism” after his move from Juventus.
The centre-back joined the Rossoneri last month in the shock transfer of the summer, and was given a rousing reception by his new club’s fans.
“I thought there would be a bit more skepticism about me,” Bonucci admitted in his interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.
New Milan signing Leonardo Bonucci admits “I thought there would be a bit more skepticism” after his move from Juventus.
The centre-back joined the Rossoneri last month in the shock transfer of the summer, and was given a rousing reception by his new club’s fans.
“I thought there would be a bit more skepticism about me,” Bonucci admitted in his interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.
“This enthusiasm drives me to give even more, I can’t wait to make my debut in this stadium.
“I’ll admit that I’m a bit agitated, San Siro is history and on the day of the [Europa League] preliminary [against CSU Craiova], even though I didn’t play it was one of the few times I’ve felt excited when entering a stadium.
“I’d love to see that same crowd again.
“The captain’s armband? It’s an important responsibility, I’ll give everything to defend this shirt from the first to the last minute of every game.
“Did I expect it? Honestly, no. The important thing though is that there’s a motivated group and Milan is a lucky club, because there are people here who know how to make a group.
“I’ve been pleasantly struck by the spirit of sacrifice the South Americans have, I’m very happy with the dressing room.
“It was a choice shared with the club, the Coach [Vincenzo Montella] and the squad. I’d been talking to [previous captain] Riccardo [Montolivo] from day one about what could happen.
“He’s a great person and a great player, no-one wants to outdo anyone, the intention is to make a squad. What counts is the common good, not the captain.
“I can make my charisma and experience available, but it’s the team that makes you that way.
“I’m lucky to have learned from great leaders like [Gianluigi] Buffon, [Alessandro] Del Piero and Giorgio Chiellini.
“For the rest the secret is to be a group down to the smallest detail. Milan wants to come back and that’s what the club has asked of us.”
Bonucci could have moved to England, to Chelsea or Manchester City, why did he choose the Rossoneri?
“Because they had the most ambitious project. I live for challenges, and [CEO Marco] Fassone and [sporting director Massimiliano] Mirabelli made me feel important and really wanted me.
“Otherwise the negotiation wouldn’t have lasted just 48 hours. On the other hand, love is either born immediately or never born at all.
“It’s certainly not a matter of money, to those who try to paint me as a mercenary I’d say that I could have gone abroad and earned more.”
Juventus were also a team under construction when Bonucci joined in 2010, and the Italian international sees the similarities.
“It’s true, I see a lot of parallels. In fact I chose Milan because in my head I have the idea of repeating the path I trod at Juventus, where we started from a reconstruction, like is the case here, and ended up at the top.
“I want to go even higher here, within four years I hope to win the Champions League. I want to win everything.
“This is my new home and it’s beautiful, I like it. From now on this will feel like my home.
“I’m fired-up and more hungry than ever, I’ll always go beyond my limits. My aim is to bring Milan back to the Olympus of world football.
“I chose this club to restart, I’m here to win.”
Read part three of Bonucci's Gazzetta dello Sport interview here.