Leonardo Bonucci, the legendary Italian defender, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37. Bonucci played his final game for Turkish club Fenerbahce on Saturday, coming on as a 64th-minute substitute in their 6-0 win over Istanbulspor.
The former Juventus star was given a rousing reception by the Fenerbahce fans and presented with a plaque to honour his brief but successful stint with the club he joined in January from Union Berlin. While Fenerbahce missed out on the Turkish Super Lig title to Galatasaray, Bonucci departs with his head held high.
Bonucci will be best remembered for his trophy-laden years at Juventus, where he won eight Serie A titles and reached two UEFA Champions League finals between 2010 and 2017. He was also a key member of the Italy squad that triumphed at Euro 2020, adding a major international honour to his glittering CV.
In an emotional farewell speech, Bonucci said: “It was a pleasure for me to be part of this wonderful family. I tried to show my best on and off the field.” Fenerbahce paid tribute on their website, stating: “It was an honour to see a legend like you in a Cubuklu jersey.”
Bonucci retires as one of the most decorated defenders in Italian football history. He will be remembered for his leadership, commitment and never-say-die attitude that made him a fan favourite everywhere he played.
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