Certainly one of the most unexpected transfers of this summer transfer window. While he still had one year left on his contract, Leonardo Bonucci left Juventus this Friday to join Union Berlin.
The Bundesliga club announced the news on its website. “FC Union Berlin has signed reigning European champion Leonardo Bonucci. The 36-year-old player is moving from Juventus Turin, the reigning champion of Italy, to the Alte Försterei,” the German team wrote. A significant reinforcement for Union Berlin, which will be competing in the Champions League this season. The Iron Men are, in fact, placed in the same group as Real Madrid.
“It’s something special for me to take the step abroad for the first time in my career. At Union, I have the opportunity to continue playing at the highest level and support the team with my experience in three demanding competitions. I’m really looking forward to taking this new step in my career,” Leonardo Bonucci said about his commitment to Union Berlin.
On the other hand, Oliver Ruhnert, Managing Director of Men’s Professional Football at Union, didn’t hide the club’s joy in welcoming such a legend. “With Leonardo, we are signing a player with a lot of experience. He has proven his qualities for many years both nationally and internationally. We are convinced that with his mentality and flexibility, he will expand our defensive options and raise the level even further,” he commented on the decision.
Leonardo Bonucci began his professional career at Inter Milan in May 2006. After a loan to FCB Treviso in 2007, he played for AC Pisa in the 2008/09 season, featuring in 18 league matches. In 2009/10, he made his mark in Serie A with AS Bari, playing in all 38 league matches and scoring a goal. He was then signed by Juventus, where he spent the majority of his career, except for one season at AC Milan in 2017/18. In total, Bonucci played over 500 matches with Juventus, winning nine league titles and four cups.
