Leonardo Bonucci

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Bonucci close to new Juve deal

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/91108/bonucci-close-new-juve-deal?

 

Sep 7, 2016

 

Leonardo Bonucci will reportedly be offered a new contract worth €5m per year as Juventus aim to keep Manchester City and Chelsea at bay.

 

The centre-back is hot property on the transfer market, as he combines rugged defending with remarkably skilful long-range passing to build moves from the back.

 

This is the main reason why current Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola called him one of his favourite players in the world.

 

Guardiola and Antonio Conte both tried to sign Bonucci this summer, but were told to forget it.

 

According to Calciomercato.com, Juventus intend to reward him with a new contract worth €5m per year plus bonuses.

 

It’d make Bonucci the second highest-paid player at Juve after Gonzalo Higuain.

 

Only last year, the Italy international doubled his wages to €3.5m per year, so the climb has been extraordinary.

 

Even €5m plus bonuses is less than the salary offered by Manchester City, but Bonucci seems determined to remain in Turin.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Juventus set to keep Leonardo Bonucci

from Man United's clutches

 

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/blog/transfer-talk/79/post/2946704/

juventus-set-to-keep-leonardo-bonucci-from-man-uniteds-clutches

 

 

Sep 10, 2016

 

Leonardo Bonucci will sign a contract extension with Juventus, according to the Manchester Evening News, ending Manchester United's hopes of bringing the experienced Italy international defender to the Premier League.

The 29-year-old was also the subject of interest from Chelsea this summer, but it is reported that after Paul Pogba left Turin for United a deal for Bonucci to follow was not likely to be brokered. The Italian champions are said to be eager to keep the defensive trio of Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Bonucci at all costs.

United's attempts to bring defensive reinforcements to Old Trafford as part of Jose Mourinho's rebuilding project also hit stumbling blocks elsewhere. Real Madrid's Raphael Varane spoke of rejecting the Red Devils, while an interest in Jose Fonte of Southampton was also widely reported, although no deal was ever done.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Bonucci: 'Let down by Juve fans'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/91501/bonucci-let-down-juve-fans?

 

Sep 15, 2016

 

Leonardo Bonucci admits he was “let down by the attitude of Juventus fans who were already grumbling after 20 minutes” against Sevilla.

 

The Bianconeri were held to a 0-0 draw on home turf in their Champions League opener last night.

 

“This was a game played at Juve standards, because we created six or seven scoring opportunities and, unlike in Serie A, we were just unable to finish them,” the defender told Sky Sport Italia.

 

“I won’t say it annoyed me, but I was certainly let down by the attitude of the fans over the course of the 90 minutes.

 

“Juventus need to be supported and yesterday there were people who already started grumbling after 20 minutes.”

 

Now the Old Lady travels to San Siro for Sunday’s Serie A clash with Inter.

 

“I expect a side that is fired up and wants to win. It is, after all, the Derby d’Italia. Inter have changed a great deal, but want to prove they are up to the standard of challenging Juventus. Of course they too will meet a side that is even more hungry for results after the Champions League draw with Sevilla.

 

“We want to become the only side in Italy to have ever won six consecutive Scudetti.”

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Bonucci: 'Tempted by England'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/91505/bonucci-tempted-england

 

Sep 15, 2016

 

Leonardo Bonucci confessed he was “tempted by an offer from England, but Juventus is my home and my dream is to win here.”

 

The defender had been tracked by both Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and Antonio Conte’s Chelsea this summer, reportedly with proposals reaching €50m.

 

“If I said that I wasn’t tempted this summer by an offer from England, above all for the Coach that wanted me, then that would be a lie,” Bonucci told Mediaset Premium.

 

“But Juventus is my home and I am happy to have remained. My dream was to win with this shirt and now I am here, ready to improve as a player and challenge myself to make this team become a legend.”

 

Despite Max Allegri’s protestations, Bonucci also admitted that the pressure is on Juve in Europe.

 

“It is our duty to reach the Champions League Final, but we must treat it like living a dream to leave certain pressure out of our minds.

 

“We know that all it takes is a single incident to change everything and we have to fight hard to make those incidents go our way, unlike yesterday (against Sevilla).”

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

Bonucci: I was tempted to join Guardiola at Man City

 

 

The Premier League side made the Juventus centre-back one of their main transfer

targets, and while he did consider their offer, he believes he was right to stay in Italy.

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2016/09/16/27584462/-?

 

Sep 16, 2016

 

Leonardo Bonucci has admitted the prospect of teaming up with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City made him consider leaving Juventus during the transfer window.

 

The Italy international was heavily linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, with the Premier League side making a €50 million offer for him.

 

Bonucci, 29, opted to stay with Juventus instead, but he admits he had been intrigued by City's offer.

 

"I did give it some thought. Guardiola's insistence destabilised me a little," Bonucci told reporters.

 

"I did not speak to Pep directly, it was just an exchange of thoughts with my agent. It was tempting, but I decided to follow my heart in the end.

 

"I opted to stay at a great team with big objectives. I want to end the project that we started in 2010 in the best way possible.

 

"We are in talks with the club [over a new deal]. The most beautiful thing for me is how Juventus have shown that I am very important for the club.

 

"This has motivated me to keep improving and to always give 110 per cent."

 

Bonucci is currently contracted to Juventus until June 2020.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Man City revive Bonucci bid

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/91888/man-city-revive-bonucci-bid?

 

 

Sep 22, 2016

 

Manchester City are ready to revive their £50m bid for Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, as Vincent Kompany is injured again.

 

Pep Guardiola cited Bonucci as one of his favourite players for his ability to start moves from the back.

 

A bidding war was held with Chelsea over the summer, but Juve held firm.

 

Now The Sun claims Manchester City are going back to Bonucci after Kompany managed just one game until sustaining a new injury.

 

Aleksandar Kolarov is being used as a temporary centre-back, but City will need a new player there in January if Kompany’s problems continue.

 

Bonucci confessed earlier this month that he was “tempted by an offer from England, above all for the Coach that wanted me.

 

“But Juventus is my home and I am happy to have remained.”

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Chelsea to rival City for Bonucci?

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/91995/chelsea-rival-city-bonucci?

 

 

Sep 25, 2016

 

It is reported that Chelsea will rival Manchester City for the signing of Leonardo Bonucci from Juventus.

 

The Old Lady defender was the subject of interest from Pep Guardiola’s side over the summer, but a transfer did not go through.

 

After rejecting a move to the Premier League, the 29-year-old admitted he had been ‘tempted’ by the idea before deciding to remain in Turin.

 

However, reports in recent days suggest City will further test Bonucci’s resolve to remain in Italy by returning with a fresh offer in January.

 

According to Calciomercato.it, Antonio Conte’s Chelsea have also entered the race for the Italy international, who has been at Juve since 2010.

 

The Bianconeri are unlikely to want to sell the player in January, but both clubs are said to be prepared to pay around £50m for Bonucci’s services.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Juventus reject suggestions Leonardo Bonucci will join Manchester City

 

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/blog/transfer-talk/79/post/2959205/juventus

-reject-suggestions-leonardo-bonucci-will-join-manchester-city

 

 

Sep 26, 2016

 

Bonucci staying put, says Marotta

Reports that Manchester City could be poised to rekindle their interest inLeonardo Bonucci have been brushed aside by Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta.

The Manchester Evening News reports Marotta as saying: "That's not what I heard," and stressing that no offer had been received for a player who was strongly linked with a move to City during the summer window.

Another injury setback for Vincent Kompany, who had to leave the pitch in the closing seconds as City won at Swansea in the EFL Cup last week, sparked reports that Pep Guardiola would revive those summer ideas of bringing Bonucci to Manchester.

City put their plans to sign the 29-year-old on hold because of Juve's £50 million price tag and the progress that had been made by Kompany until the Swansea cup game.

Earlier this month, Italy defender Bonucci -- who has also been linked with Chelsea -- revealed that he had been tempted by City's interest but felt he had made the right decision to stay with Juventus.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

RUMOURS: Man City and Chelsea to battle for Bonucci

 

The Juventus centre-back and Italy international is admired by both Pep Guardiola

and Antonio Conte, with a move to the Premier League a possibility.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/11562/transfer-talk/2016/09/26/27891862/-?

 

 

Sep 26, 2016

 

Leonardo Bonucci is a transfer target for both Manchester City and Chelsea, according to the Daily Star.

 

The Juventus defender was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer, and Chelsea's defensive troubles means they could renew their interest in January.

 

Pep Guardiola is also a big fan of Bonucci, though, and City could attempt to lure him to the Etihad Stadium instead.

 

Juventus have no need to sell their star defender, however, and will try and hold out for a fee of at least £50 million. 

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Bonucci renewal to ward off Chelsea?

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92202/bonucci-renewal-ward-chelsea?

 

 

Sep 29, 2016

 

Juventus are reportedly planning to offer Leonardo Bonucci a new contract in a bid to scare away Chelsea.

 

According to Calcionews24, Chelsea “really like” Bonucci and could offer in excess of €60m for the centre-back, but having already rejected Manchester City’s millions for the centre-back in the summer, Juve continue to insist he is not for sale.

 

Links between the Blues and defenders have returned after a run of defeats that have seen Antonio Conte’s side register just one clean sheet so far this season, including three goals shipped at Arsenal last weekend.

 

Consequently, Tuttosport claims meetings have already taken place between the Bianconeri and Bonucci’s entourage over an extension until 2021 and an improved salary of €5m.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Conte revives Bonucci bid

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92221/conte-revives-bonucci-bid

 

 

Sep 29, 2016

 

Antonio Conte is reported to be increasingly irritated by his Chelsea squad and will renew his attempts to poach Leonardo Bonucci from Juventus.

 

The Blues have failed to win any of their last three Premier League matches and the former Azzurri CT is increasingly under pressure to deliver.

 

Reports in Italy suggest the Coach is ready to completely transform the squad at his disposal, particularly at the back.

 

He is even questioning the motivation of the players who are left over from Jose Mourinho’s title-winning side two years ago.

 

When John Terry returns from injury against Hull City this weekend, Conte can move to the three-man defence that he has favoured over the last six years.

 

Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic have made many unforced errors this season and are both due for the axe.

 

This fits in with The Times newspaper reports that Conte will revive his attempts to bring in Bonucci from Juventus.

 

The Italy international centre-back had already been targeted over the summer by both Chelsea and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

[Socrates 8526]

 

Bonucci: ‘Juventus must sacrifice’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92254/bonucci-‘juventus-must-sacrifice’?

 

 

Sep 30, 2016

 

Leonardo Bonucci warns Juventus “have to improve our predisposition to sacrifice”.

 

The Bianconeri are top of Serie A and are leading their Champions League group, but some performances have been unconvincing so far this season.

 

“We have to improve our predisposition to sacrifice,” Bonucci explained to reporters outside a Nike event.

 

“In a match if your teammate doesn’t show up, hey, you could spend 10 hours a day training yourself and it’d all be useless.

 

“Gonzalo Higuain? He’s amazed me, he has the humility of a great champion.”

 

The centre-back also tipped Roma, Inter and Napoli to challenge for the Scudetto when asked.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Bonucci: ‘Balotelli is maturing’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92473/bonucci-‘balotelli-maturing’

 

 

Oct 4, 2016

 

Leonardo Bonucci is confident Mario Balotelli “is starting to think like an adult” and hopes he can return to the Italy squad.

 

The striker has been in sensation form since moving to Nice, but CT Giampiero Ventura felt he hadn’t shown enough to warrant an Azzurri return, and Balotelli agreed.

 

“The doors of the national team are open to everyone,” Bonucci said in today’s Press conference.

“He’s now beginning to think like an adult, and what he said - in my eyes - shows a great maturation. To say that he didn’t deserve it and that he only wants to come back at the top shows humility on Balotelli’s part.

 

“If it’s like that he’ll be an added value for anyone. The Balotelli who messes around is no use to himself or anyone else, I gave him that advice when we were younger.

 

“His qualities are endless, but what he was lacking was the awareness that certain values like sacrifice and humility can take you higher, returning him to the national team and making him an important player in this squad.

 

“Am I confident? I hope so, for his sake. Ever since we were little I’ve taken Mario under my wing, I was the first to cheer for him, to shut his mouth…

 

“He’s always been a person I’ve really liked, if he knows how to behave himself then I don’t see why he shouldn’t be in the national team. I hope that Nice empowers him.”

 

Bonucci was also asked about Milan youngster Alessio Romagnoli, who could make his Italy debut against Spain or Macedonia.

 

“I’ve always said that he, along with Rugani, will be the future foundation of the national team. We’ll help him to understand the little things we’ve been doing in a back-three for years.”

 

Ventura replaced Antonio Conte as CT after Euro 2016, and the centre-back was asked about the differences between the two men.

 

“There aren’t many,” Bonucci noted.

 

“Some movements. Many games, if not most, are prepared based on the shortcomings of the other team.

 

“They’re very similar, perhaps the former [Conte] is more meticulous and motivational, but that doesn’t mean there’s a right or wrong way.

 

“I like it when there are ideas of how to play and then they’re put into practice by the squad.”

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Chelsea £60m bid for Bonucci

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92550/chelsea-£60m-bid-bonucci?

 

 

Oct 5, 2016

 

Chelsea promised Antonio Conte a £60m bid to lure Leonardo Bonucci from Juventus in January, claims The Telegraph.

 

The English newspaper suggests club owner Roman Abramovich pledged to break the bank for the centre-back.

 

Conte has found working with the defence at his disposal extremely difficult and has never disguised Bonucci is his dream signing.

 

Today Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed Chelsea made an offer of £58m on transfer deadline day for Kalidou Koulibaly, but it was rejected.

 

Abramovich now seems prepared to increase that further to £60m for Bonucci.

 

The Italy international is also wanted by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, but Juventus remain adamant he is not for sale.

 

Bonucci has a relatively rare skill-set for a centre-back, as he starts moves with Andrea Pirlo-esque passes and can play in three or four-man defences.

 

The world transfer record for a defender is £50m, the sum Paris Saint-Germain paid to get David Luiz, although the player returned to Stamford Bridge this summer for £30m.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Chelsea ready to break transfer bank

to buy Juventus' Leonardo Bonucci

 

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/blog/transfer-talk/79/post/2966453/transfer-talk-

chelsea-ready-to-break-transfer-records-to-buy-leonardo-bonucci-from-juventus

 

 

Oct 5, 2016

 

Antonio Conte is desperate to add Leonardo Bonucci to his Chelsea revolution, and the Blues will make a world-record bid for the defender in January, according to The Telegraph.

The Juventus stalwart possesses the exact qualities Conte craves in his bid to overhaul his defence after lacklustre displays against Arsenal and Liverpool.

With the Bianconeri set for a run at the Champions League, the Blues will have to shatter the record fee paid for a defender, which is currently £50 million paid by PSG for David Luiz.

The report goes on to say that Chelsea are prepared to go up to £60m for the Italy international, who will turn 30 before the end of the season, showing their desperation to fix their defence.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

City and Chelsea press for Bonucci

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92604/city-and-chelsea-press-bonucci

 

Oct 7, 2016

 

Reports in England continue to link Leonardo Bonucci with a move to Manchester City, while the Italian press seem convinced that Chelsea will make a move for the Juventus defender.

 

According to The Mirror, Pep Guardiola will look to seriously strengthen his squad next summer, reigniting a bid for the Italian international as well as Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Hector Bellerín of Arsenal.

 

However, calciomercato.com insist that former Juve boss Antonio Conte is also desperate to sign Bonucci, making the 29-year-old his top priority and seemingly ready to make him the World’s most expensive defender.

 

The website notes that both Bonucci and Juventus have seemingly no interest in opening talks, with the club set to offer him a lucrative new contract in the coming weeks.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

RUMOURS: Juventus want £50m plus Fabregas for Bonucci

 

 

The Bianconeri would reportedly be willing to let the Italy international move to Stamford

Bridge if they received the Spanish midfielder as well as a hefty fee in return.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/news/14222/transfer-talk/2016/10/07/28266952/-?

 

 

Oct 7, 2016

 

Juventus are willing to allow Leonardo Bonucci to join Chelsea if they receive a bid of £50 million plus Cesc Fabregas, according to The Sun.

 

The centre-back is in high demand with Manchester City and Manchester United also cited with interest in his services.

 

Bonucci reportedly turned down the chance to move to City in the summer but it is understood Chelsea are now looking to prise him away from Turin.

 

And the Italy international could move to Stamford Bridge if the Blues part ways with a hefty fee as well as Fabregas, who has been out of favour under Antonio Conte so far this season.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Report: Juventus to let Leonardo Bonucci join

Chelsea in exchange for Cesc Fabregas 

 

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/chelsea/transfer-talk/

news/juve-want-fabregas-in-exchange-for-bonucci_282844.html

 

 

Oct 8, 2016

 

Juventus have reportedly agreed to let Leonardo Bonucci join Chelsea, but only if the Blues will let Cesc Fabregas move in the opposite direction.

The 29-year-old was linked with the West London outfit, as well as Manchester City, in the summer but the Italian giants were able to keep hold of the centre-back.

Antonio Conte is desperate to land Bonucci, according to The Sun, and is allegedly willing to let Fabregas go to Turin as well as making Bonucci the most expensive defender ever.

Massimiliano Allegri, meanwhile, is reportedly looking to strengthen his midfield after losing the likes ofAndrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba in recent years, and sees Fabregas as a good fit for the Bianconeri.

Fabregas has found first-team opportunities hard to come by under Conte and was put back on the bench for Chelsea's victory over Hull City after making his first league start in the 3-0 defeat by Arsenal.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Chelsea offer Hazard for Bonucci?

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92728/chelsea-offer-hazard-bonucci

 

Oct 9, 2016

 

Chelsea are prepared to offer Eden Hazard plus cash to lure Leonardo Bonucci away from Juventus, claims The Sun.

 

It is well known that Antonio Conte is desperate to have the Italy international centre-back at Stamford Bridge, reportedly proposing €60m on transfer deadline day.

 

There were reports Chelsea were ready to pay €50m plus midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

 

However, Sun Sport claim that Conte is hoping to lower the costs by putting Hazard into the deal with a lower cash sum.

 

The 25-year-old Belgium international has been temperamental and struggled badly last season.

 

Max Allegri is intrigued by Hazard, but his presence would require a change of system.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Juventus 'hopeful Leonardo Bonucci will sign new contract'

 

 

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/chelsea/transfer-talk/news/

juventus-hopeful-bonucci-will-sign-new-deal_283109.html

 

 

Oct 12, 2016

 

Juventus are reportedly hopeful that Leonardo Bonucci will reject Premier League interest to sign a new contract with the Serie A giants.

The 29-year-old is believed to have attracted interest fromManchester City, as well as Chelsea, who are said to be considering launching a world-record bid in excess of £50m in the January transfer window.

Recent reports have claimed that Juventus would be open to letting Bonucci leave for Chelsea if Cesc Fabregas were included in the deal.

However, according to Goal.com, the Italian club are confident that they can persuade Bonucci to sign a new five-year contract worth €8m (£7.2m), which would make him one of the highest-paid players at the club.

The report adds that chief executive Beppe Marotta has already opened talks with the defender's agentAlessandro Lucci.

Bonucci's current contract expires in 2020.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Bonucci has thigh strain

 

http://www.football-italia.net/93853/bonucci-has-thigh-strain?

 

Nov 3, 2016

 

Juventus have announced that Leonardo Bonucci has a thigh strain, and will be evaluated tomorrow.

 

The defender went off injured during the draw with Lyon last night, and did not take part in training this morning.

 

“Yesterday the player suffered a muscular strain in his left thigh,” the Bianconeri confirmed on their official website.

“He will be evaluated tomorrow.”

 

An international break follows the trip to Chievo at the weekend, so it’s likely Bonucci will not be risked in Verona.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Bonucci: 'I didn't call City'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/94030/bonucci-i-didnt-call-city

 

 

Nov 7, 2016

 

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has revealed that there has been no contact between himself and Manchester City.

 

The 29-year-old also admitted that his side were struggling in midfield, but told La Domenica Sportiva that he was confident the team will return to a more convincing style of play.

 

"Manchester City said that I had called them to move there? I did not call anybody, they have not called me personally.

 

"I would honestly win all the games 1-0 but at the end of the day, a more beautiful way of playing will come.

 

"Our character will improve, there is time for us to grow, but as long as you win it means that the team is there and the future is bright.

 

"Our goal is to win. Of course, missing [Paulo] Dybala is an important factor, he is one of those who can decide games by himself. He gives us fluidity playing between the lines.

 

"Where do we need reinforcements? These things are not my responsibility, but maybe in the future, I hope to be a coach for many years.

 

"Truthfully, the area where we are a little short is in midfield. Many players are not at their best, [Kwadwo] Asamoah is still out, even [Stefano] Sturaro and [Mario] Lemina are not 100%, plus [Claudio] Marchisio returned from a serious injury.

 

"It’s the only area, but we need to reinforce to provide us with strength in depth, not to change the starting 11.

 

"Perhaps we are paying a little bit for the injuries, the discussion surrounding the midfield is a matter of characteristics, these injuries will lead to always playing the same players who are running on empty.

 

"We must improve, but at the moment we have to manage with what we have."

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Bonucci: 'My son united the fans'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/94031/bonucci-my-son-united-fans

 

 

Nov 7, 2016

 

Leonardo Bonucci 'thanked fans across Italy' for the support shown towards his ill son Matteo.

 

After discussing the Juventus midfield and the lack of contact from Manchester City, the 29-year-old turned to more personal matters.

 

"Of course it was a difficult time," the defender told La Domenica Sportiva. "I thank the many fans, Juventini or not, for showing me affection and closeness.

 

"Matteo proved to be a fighter, we went under but now we are more relaxed because we are seeing him play and smile.

 

"Now the situation has improved, it's great and I thank the people who have been close to us.

 

"Matteo has managed to unite fans from across Italy without thinking about the colors that his dad wears. This is the best thing I could win for me as a player, for him and for us as a family.

 

"I invite families who are going through situations like ours to always believe, because unity creates strength and love is an infinite force."

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Bonucci: 'Congratulations Spalletti'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/94032/bonucci-congratulations-spalletti

 

 

Nov 7, 2016

 

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has congratulated Roma boss Luciano Spaletti for 'giving great character' to the Giallorossi.

 

After speaking about interest from Manchester City, and thanking the fans for support over his ill son, he looked forward to when Juve play Roma on December 17th.

 

"Are Roma playing better than Juve? I will just have to congratulate Spalletti who is giving great character to the team," the Viterbo-native told la Domenica Sportiva. "We'll see in a month, it will certainly be a beautiful game.

 

"Regarding preparation, what we have failed to do is train consistently because we are playing so much. In January and February commitments diminish and we will have time to work, especially in the Christmas break.

 

"There, we will have to recharge our batteries because when March arrives we have so many games. I am sure that by working hard we will succeed.

 

“Who do I thank for becoming the strongest Italian defender? I became a great centre-back thanks to [Carlo] Perrone, the former Ascoli and Lazio man.”

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Manchester City Transfer News:

Leonardo Bonucci Addresses Latest Rumours

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2674625-manchester-city-

transfer-news-leonardo-bonucci-addresses-latest-rumours-more?

 

 

Nov 7, 2016

 

Reported Chelsea transfer target Leonardo Bonucci refuted claims from Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano that he called the Citizens to discuss a transfer and pledged his allegiance to Juventus once again.

As reported by Stuart Brennan of the Manchester Evening News, Soriano previously claimed that several top players were keen to join the Citizens during the summer, and that Bonucci even called up the club to discuss a possible move. According to Soriano, Juventuseventually turned such a transfer down.

Bonucci says none of that happened, however, per Brennan: “Manchester City said that I had called them to move there? I did not call anybody, they have not called me personally.”

As shared by Bleacher Report UK, he provided one more quote that should keep the likes of Chelsea and City away for now:

 

 

View image on Twitter

 

 Follow

Bleacher Report UK 

 

✔@br_uk

So, about those Leonardo Bonucci transfer rumours

6:54 PM - 7 Nov 2016

•  
•  
•  
   9393 Retweets
•  
•  
   186186 likes

 

 

 

The Italy international hasn't made a secret of the fact that he considered moving to the Etihad Stadium during the summer, with manager Pep Guardiola singing his praises. According to Goal's Stefan Coerts, he said he briefly discussed a move with his agent before opting to stay with the Bianconeri.

He also said he's talking to the Old Lady about a new contract that will undoubtedly result in a significant pay raise. Such a deal should aid the club in fending off moves from other teams, with former manager Antonio Conte reportedly putting the star defender at the top of his Chelsea wish list, per the Telegraph (h/t Anthony Chapman of the Sun).

Bonucci is widely regarded as one of the world's best central defenders, combining vision, instinct and athleticism with an uncanny ability to play the long ball. Here's a look at some of his highlights:

 

•  SHARE
•  TWEET
•  

 

The 29-year-old often functions as Juventus' primary playmaker, picking out team-mates with accurate passes over the top of the defence.

One fan made a compilation of some of his most impressive passes:

 

 

 

 

 Follow

Stephen Ganavas @Marottanomics

Leonardo Bonucci:

The definitive long-pass compilation (16/17).

11:21 AM - 30 Oct 2016

•  
•  
•  
   2,3692,369 Retweets
•  
•  
   2,7432,743 likes

 

 

 

His ability and comfort with the ball at his feet makes him a perfect fit for Guardiola's attacking philosophy, which revolves around ball retention and possession. Bonucci is more than a long-ball specialist, however―he's a complete defender who can hold his own against just about anyone.

A move away from Juventus has never seemed likely, however. Bonuccihas a tremendous relationship with the club and its fans, and Italy's top internationals tend to stay in Serie A.

There's also his two-year-old son Matteo, who has been struggling with a serious illness, as shared by football writer Jonas Giaever:

 

 

7 Nov

Jonas Giæver @CheGiaevara

Feel sorry for Bonucci. Seems so strong in terms of character, and you see how much his son's illness affect him https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO4XBKiadT0 …

 

 Follow

Jonas Giæver @CheGiaevara

He breaks down at around the 17:50 mark when shown a video of how he dedicates his goals to his family. Can't help but feel for him.

12:24 PM - 7 Nov 2016

•  
•  
•  
   77 Retweets
•  
•  
   1212 likes

 

 

 

The situation would complicate a potential move even more, and Marca' Jose Felix Diaz and Colin Millar previously reported that it played a key role in Bonucci's decision to stay in Turin.