Bonucci Hangs Up His Boots
Italian central defender Leonardo Bonucci has officially retired from football, concluding his illustrious career with Fenerbahce, his final club. At 37 years old, Bonucci played his last match in Istanbul, having joined Fenerbahce from Union Berlin last June.
"It was a pleasure for me to be part of this wonderful family; I tried to give my best on and off the field. But above all, we have our last battle on Sunday. I want to end my career with a trophy, and today we have the opportunity to become champions. Thank you all," the Italian remarked before the final matchday.
Unfortunately, Bonucci did not end his career with a title. The league title went to Galatasaray, and Fenerbahce finished second. After twenty-two years at the top level of football, the player from Viterbo bid farewell to the sport.
Bonucci's career began with Inter, where he played for two seasons before spending time with Treviso, Pisa, and Bari. His standout years were with Juventus, where he spent thirteen seasons in two separate stints, with a season at Milan in between.
Following his tenure in Serie A, Bonucci moved to Union Berlin in the Bundesliga last season, and then joined Fenerbahce in June, marking the final chapter of his professional football journey.
Bonucci's club career includes nine Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia trophies, and five Italian Supercups. On the international stage, he earned 121 caps for Italy and was part of the squad that won the 2020 UEFA European Championship.