Leonardo Bonucci, a football hero for Italy and Juventus, has declared his retirement from the sport at the conclusion of the upcoming season after an 18-year career.
The 36-year-old defender has had a dazzling career filled with accolades and has become a legend for both Juventus and Italy.
Before starting his last season playing professional football, Bonucci will be looking to win the Europa League with Juventus this year.
In a series of interviews with the club’s YouTube channel to commemorate his 500th Juventus game, Bonucci reveals he will retire from sport in 2024.
After discussing the impact of former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, Bonucci states his intentions to quit football following an outstanding career representing Juventus.
‘When I stop playing next year, it will be the end of a defensive era, a way of defending Italian style’ said Bonucci.
‘It’s a source of pride to be up there with the greatest. I hope lots of future defenders just as we had Baresi, Maldini, Nesta, Cannavaro, will see us four as idols.
‘It would mean we have achieved a lot and given the game a lot,’ he added.
In 2010, after being thrown into the starting lineup for a Europa League match against Irish team Shamrock Rovers, Bonucci made his Juventus debut.
Since then, he has played 500 times for the Italian powerhouses, with his most recent appearance coming as a substitute in a recent tie with Sevilla.
Alongside center-back partner Giorgio Chiellini, who left Juventus last year to finish out his playing career in the MLS, the defender was a key component of a renowned Italy and Juventus defense.
With Juventus, Bonucci has won the Italian top division eight times, as well as four Italian Cups and five Super Cups during a highly successful period.