Bonucci: ‘I’m not a traitor’

By Football Italia staff

Leonardo Bonucci defends his move from Juventus to Milan - “I don’t feel like a traitor or a mercenary”.

The centre-back made the shock switch earlier this month, leaving Turin after seven seasons in a €42m move.

Today the Italian international spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport, and sought to clarify his reasons for leaving.

“Life is made up of cycles which open and close,” Bonucci said, in an interview which was previewed last night.

“When you’re part of a group for seven years, you hope to leave something beautiful. In the last part of the season the link faded on both sides and we decided to move apart.

“Something crumbled in recent months, and this change was the consequence of that. To give 100 per cent, I need to feel important, something that at Juventus was recently happening only in fits and starts.

“I couldn’t go with that. Even the most beautiful marriages sometimes end.

“I gave Juve so much and they gave me so much. It wasn’t an easy choice for me, because seven years are difficult to close off and forget.

“The rapport had come to an end though, neither party wanted to continue together. I have to say though, that given how it ended we came out well: myself, Juve and Milan.

“Porto? People thought that was the most striking thing, but in truth it was just the final straw: there had been other situations before that.

“Given what I gave to Juve, I don't feel like a traitor or a mercenary. If they whistle me, they ought to know that, just like the insults I received at Juventus Stadium fired me up, it’ll be the same if they jeer me.”

Bonucci formed part of the famous ‘BBC’ defence alongside Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, but there were rumours he argued with the former at half-time in the Champions League final.

“With our teammates there were moments when we talked and discussed issues. Everyone has their own character, but I always had a great relationship with them.

“Nothing like what has been said happened in the dressing room.

“My relationship with Max Allegri? My relationship with him was in the sunlight, I played a lot and if that happened it’s because I was considered important.

“Having discussions over the years is normal and I’m someone who is direct and tells the truth. I had no problems with him though.

“After that it’s obvious that some situations have consequences and everyone takes their own responsibilities.”

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