Football fans are still coming to terms with Leonardo Bonucci’s shock Juventus exit. Although the Italian has been the target of several top European clubs, none expected the center-back to join rivals AC Milan.
And that is exactly what the 30-year-old did – leaving Turin for San Siro. The Rossoneri confirmed the deal on Friday, announcing that only a medical remains in his rumored €42M five-year deal.
Nonetheless, Bonucci spent seven seasons with the Bianconeri, and a heartfelt goodbye to the fans was needed. The Azzurri center-back bought an entire page of Italian Gazzetta dello Sport to pay tribute to the Old Lady and its fans after winning six Serie A titles.
Bonucci wrote: "Seven seasons have passed. Seven seasons of victories, of dreams realised, of growth that took place through an empathic and exceptional bond with Juve, in its absolute entirety.
"There remains a great regret for not having won the Champions League, but greater pride for the achievements and for having been part of a large family.
"I've always given everything, really, to the end. Today, looking back, I nonetheless see a splendid story, worthy of ending in full respect and affection, without affecting what I have lived together with the club, the captain, my team-mates and the fans.
"A beautiful story. Thanks for everything, Juve."
There was no mention of Massimiliano Allegri, a man whom Bonucci had a fall out with last season. Rumors claim that the Italian defender butted heads with the Juventus boss twice last season – during a 4-1 win over Palermo, which resulted in him being dropped, and in the Champions League final.
Leonardo also bid farewell to former captain Gianluigi Buffon after the two went through an emotional exchange of tweets.
The goalkeeper wrote: “Team-mate and travelers. We walked part of the way together. A winning way. I wish you the best. But I will miss you…"
Bonucci's response: "I will miss you too. Thanks for the shared wins, for the battles won and also for those lost. See you on the national team."
Mi mancherai anche tu. Grazie per per le vittorie condivise, per le battaglie vinte e anche per quelle perse. Ci vediamo in Nazionale.
— Leonardo Bonucci (@bonucci_leo19) July 14, 2017
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