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.
Bonucci will be looking to win the Europa League with Juventus this season before embarking on his final season of professional football.
Bonucci outlines his decision to retire from football in 2024 in an interview series with the club’s YouTube account to commemorate his 500th Juventus appearance.
Following a discussion about the impact of former goalie Gianluigi Buffon, Bonucci announces his intention to retire from the sport after an outstanding career with 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, and Cannavaro, will see us four as idols.
“It would mean we have achieved a lot and given the game a lot,” he added.
Bonucci made his Juventus debut after being thrown into the starting lineup for a Europa League match against Shamrock Rovers of Ireland in 2010.
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.
The defender was a key component of a legendary Italian and Juventus defence, along with centre-back partner Giorgio Chiellini, who left Juventus last year to finish off his playing career in the MLS.
Bonucci has won four Italian Cups and five Super Cups during a highly successful period with Juventus. He has also won the Italian premier division eight times with the team.
