Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci said he has won everything with the club apart of the Champions League – but has not given up hope.
The Italy international was part of eight of Juve’s nine successive Serie A title successes, also winning the Coppa Italia fives timed during his career with the Bianconeri.
However, he has never tasted success in Europe, having been a losing finalist twice in the Champions League.
Speaking to Tuttosport and La Gazzetta dello Sport, he said: “When I joined, my dream was to have a great career and win everything.
“I’ve almost achieved it. I’m 90% there. I’m just missing that tiny piece which hurts us Juve fans.
“Let’s hope that over the next two years of my contract we can find stability in Europe again. Winning is always difficult. The first step is to reach the quarter-finals then you need luck.
“In a season so unique anything can happen, so why not believe in Juve’s future in Europe?”
Since last reaching the Champions League final in 2017, Juve were subsequently eliminated in the quarter-finals in each of the two following season but have failed to progress past the last-16 since.
Bonucci was also critical of some comments made by former central-defensive partner Matthijs de Ligt before his move to Bayern Munich.
The 35-year-old explained the pair spoke about the situation after and he wished the Netherlands international well.
He added: “De Ligt’s exit didn’t surprise me because certain comments made it clear didn’t want to stay at Juventus.
“But at think at the end of the day, you need to be respectful. The group he was with for three years helped him grow and the club invested in him.
“I wish him the best but certain comments he made on international duty were not very nice. We spoke about it after our holidays and he understood.
“Bayern are a great club but just being at a top club doesn’t mean you are guaranteed to win.”
Forza Leo. He has grown and matured as a player – especially after his Milan experience. He deserves more respect from the Juventini. He is a club legend.
Grande Bonucci!🇮🇹
What did De Ligt said?
Bavaria is ‘De Ligt’ 👊👊
What a player & what a leader !
He has demonstrated over the last decade how important he is for Juventus, as he said ‘ I’m 90% there ‘
He still has some time to try & achieve the Champions League.
But after last summer with what he did with Italy, & that monster performance in the final against England at Wembley.
He is already a true Italy & Juventus legend.
Bravo King Leo !
Agree 100% with Cristiano. Total legend.
Forza LEO ✊
@Rosario Che scemo che sei. Instrumental in winning the Euros… Even scoring in the final. Did more than strikers like Immobile and Belotti. Porta rispetto.
Funny how the above posters forgot about bonucci leaving juve for milan so he could be captain and then begged to come back to us
He will not win the champions league unless he leave Juventus – that’s the reality.
SMH
Like Zlatan when he join barca from Inter to win the CL??? Its not the players choice to win CL its the club, You win with JUVE and you loose with Juve!
FORZA JUVE e DRUGHI
Fatecisognare
Not questioning his footballing ability. He is just a putrid man.
A
I see juve lifting the champion league trophy in Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium i see joy in Torin I see people millions of Italy celebrating juventus success mark my word and write this down