Former Juventus star Leonardo Bonucci admits he dreams of returning to Turin as a coach, reveals he was close to joining Real Madrid in 2017 and thanks Andrea Agnelli and Antonio Conte, but not Massimiliano Allegri.
The Italian centre-back has already played his last Champions League game as he’s suspended for tonight’s fixture between his Union Berlin side and Real Madrid.
“I am so sorry, surely it would have been my last Champions League game, but it was written it had to end like this,” he told Marca.
“I’m embittered because it is a very important game. I think that if we win, we have big chances to qualify for the Europa League.”
Bonucci joined Union Berlin last summer on a free transfer from Juventus. He had been frozen out of the team despite having a year left in his contract. The veteran defender admitted the first period in Germany was not easy.
“It’s been a huge change. I am alone because my family lives in Turin. The first month was really difficult, I was alone in a city I didn’t know,” he said.
“Slowly, I got to know different places, people, a nice group and now everything is easier.”
Bonucci was furious about how Juventus treated him last summer and even threatened legal action.
“I am more serene now, not as upset as I was this summer, I have to go ahead,” he revealed.
“My time at Juventus was marvellous, I wanted to end my career there, but it didn’t happen. I always wanted the best for the team. I speak every week with many of my former teammates so this proves I was clearly an important figure inside the dressing room. A friend for experienced players and a point of reference for the young players.”
Would he like to return to the club one day?
“It’s one of my targets. I want to become a coach and if I achieve it, I want to be in the elite. Juventus are one of the clubs I want to coach,” he admitted.
“Juventus have been crucial in my life. I am grateful to Andrea Agnelli, Beppe Marotta, Fabio Paratici, Pavel Nedved, a silent leader, and the coach who changed me and helped me grow Antonio Conte.”
Bonucci was coached by Conte, Allegri, Maurizio Sarri and Andrea Pirlo at Juventus, but argued several times with the Livorno-born coach. For this reason, he left the club in 2017 returning to the club one year later.
It is believed that Allegri played a key role in Bonucci’s exit last season.
When Bonucci joined Milan from Juventus in 2017, but could have joined Real Madrid instead.
“There are no words to describe Real Madrid. Perhaps the biggest club in the world,” he said.
“There was a moment when I came close to joining Real Madrid. It was a dream. I greatly admire all the champions who have played there and now they have a Maestro on their bench, Ancelotti.
“It was in the summer of 2017 after they beat us in the [Champions League] Final in Cardiff. Negotiations between my agent and Madrid had intensified, but we didn’t close the agreement. Ultimately, they signed a younger player and not one in his 30s. It was nice although it didn’t happen. I admire Real Madrid.”