Leonardo Bonucci departs Juventus to sign Union Berlin deal - 'Special to take the step abroad for the first time'
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Updated 01/09/2023 at 11:24 GMT
Leonardo Bonucci says it's "special to take the step abroad for the first time" after ending his decorated spell at Juventus to join German side Union Berlin. The 36-year-old fell out of favour under Max Allegri last season and departs to sign a one-year deal with the option of a second. Bonucci's experience will be leaned on with Union set to compete in their first Champions League campaign.
Leonardo Bonucci
Image credit: Getty Images
Union Berlin have completed the deadline-day signing of Italy international Leonardo Bonucci from Juventus.
The 36-year-old departs the Italian giants after 12 seasons overall in Turin to sign a one-year deal with the option of a second year.
"It is special for me to take the step abroad for the first time in my career,” Bonucci said.
“At Union, I have the opportunity to continue playing at the highest level and to support the team on its way in three demanding competitions with my experience.
“I am very much looking forward to this new station in my career.”
Union are competing in the Champions League for the first time this season and were pitted against Real Madrid, Napoli and Braga in Thursday’s group stage draw.
Bonucci is the German side's 12th signing of a busy summer that has seen the likes of Robin Gosens, Kevin Volland and Brenden Aaronson also arrive – the latter on loan from Leeds United.
The Italian found his game time limited under Massimiliano Allegri in 2022/23, making 16 Serie A appearances, but brings vast experience to the Bundesliga side.
Bonucci formed a part of a famed Juve defence alongside Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli for years and won eight Serie A titles and four Coppa Italias with the Old Lady, as well as twice reaching the Champions League final.
He played an instrumental role in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph two years ago, scoring the equaliser in the 1-1 draw against England in the final before netting again in the penalty shoot-out and being named man of the match.
"With Leonardo, we are signing a player with a lot of experience, " said Union director Oliver Ruhnert.
“He has proven his qualities over many years both nationally and internationally. We are convinced that with his mentality and his flexibility he will expand our possibilities in defence and raise us to another level once again."
- - -
TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Heineken Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement