Official: Juventus Legend Hangs Up His Boots

Legendary Juventus captain Leonardo Bonucci will hang up his boots after today’s Turkish Super Lig encounter between Fenerbahce and Istanbulspor. The 37-year-old bid farewell to the Istanbul outfit on social media, as relayed by Calciomercato.

“It has been a pleasure for me to be part of this family. I tried to show my best both on and off the field, but most importantly, we will fight our last battle. I want to end my career with a trophy, and we have a chance to become champions. I thank you all,” the former Juventus star told Fenerbahce’s website.

Bonucci joined Fenerbahce in January, helping the club stay in the Super Lig’s title frame until the final day. But unless they beat Istanbulspor and Galatasaray lose at Konyaspor, Ismail Kartal’s side will have to settle for a second consecutive runner-up finish. 

Capping off his illustrious football journey with a trophy would be a romantic ending to one of the most inspiring defensive careers. Juventus and Italy fans will forever be grateful to the Euro 2020 winner for his immense contribution to ‘Calcio.’

Over two separate spells at Juventus, Bonucci made 502 appearances, scoring 37 goals and providing ten assists. He was a cornerstone of the iconic BBC defensive trio alongside Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, which remains a benchmark for a new generation of defenders.

Bonucci won six consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus between 2012 and 2017 before leaving for Milan. He didn’t settle at San Siro and returned to Turin the following summer, only to win two more Scudettos with the Bianconeri. 

In addition to league titles, Bonucci and Juventus won nine more major domestic trophies together. But Champions League glory eluded them twice.