Fenerbahce defender Leonardo Bonucci announces retirement from professional football

Leonardo Bonucci announced that he was retiring from professional football on Sunday. Stadium in Turin. The defender, who joined Fenerbahce during the January transfer window after an unsuccessful move to Union Berlin this past summer, will play his final match versus Istanbulspor on Sunday.

Bonucci, who is 37 currently, stated that he wants to end his career with a trophy, which he can achieve by lifting the Super Lig with Fenerbahce provided the club defeats Istanbulspor and Galatasaray faces defeat in their final league match.

In a formal announcement, Bonucci told the club media, he said, “It was a pleasure for me to be a part of this wonderful family. I tried to show my best on and off the field, but most importantly, we will fight our last battle tomorrow. I want to finish my career with a cup, and we have a chance to become champions tomorrow. I thank everyone.

Fenerbahce player Hakan Yandav said after the veteran announced this news, he said, “I have personally seen in him many times what a leader should be like. I thank him very much for always being there for the team on and off the field.”

Leonardo Bonucci and his achievements in his football career

He additionally had brief stints at Inter Milan as well as AC Milan and his other clubs were Genoa, Pisa and AS Bari. Bonucci was not included in Italy's preliminary squad for UEFA Euro 2024, although he played a key role in the country's Euro 2020 victory, scoring a goal during the final versus England. He possesses 121 caps for Italy, scoring eight goals.

He has played precisely 500 games for the club, and the no-nonsense defender has taken home the Serie A title on nine occasions - eight with Juventus and one with Inter. Just Buffon (ten) has picked up more Scudettos than Bonucci. However, the Champions League title has eluded Bonucci, who has suffered painful defeats in the final twice.