Transfer Centre

Leonardo Bonucci: 'I never called Manchester City'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 07 November 2016

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci denies that he contacted Manchester City in the summer regarding a transfer to the English club.

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has denied that he contacted Manchester City in the summer regarding a transfer to the English club.

Last month, Man City chief executive Ferran Soriano claimed that Bonucci "called" the Premier League side in the summer as he wanted to play under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.

However, Bonucci, who is currently on the sidelines with a thigh problem, has denied that a conversation between the two parties ever took place.

"I never called anybody and they never called me personally," Bonucci told RAI. "I feel I have the Juve shirt sewn to my body because I breathe it every day, but wearing the national team shirt is also an honour.

"There is nothing better than feeling you are a player that youngsters look up to. I like being this and giving 100% when I wear this shirt.

"I feel like I am at a turning point in my career now. Anybody can have one or two great years, but it is now up to me to continue this. I will give all I have got to improve my qualities and be important for Juve and for the national team."

Bonucci, 29, joined Juventus from Bari in the summer of 2010 and is closing in on 300 appearances for the Italian champions.