Leonardo Bonucci on the farewell step

Leonardo Bonucci close to retiring from playing football

There is no official announcement yet from the person concerned, but Sunday's May 26 match between Fenerbahce and Istanbulspor will go down in history, barring second thoughts, as the last in Leonardo Bonucci's long career. The defender, who had started the season at Union Berlin before landing in Turkey in the winter market, turned 37 last May 1°.

Bonucci, meanwhile, has already prepared his farewells to the Istanbul yellow-blue club: "It's been a pleasure to be part of this wonderful family,” the former national team, European champion in 2021 also thanks to one of his goals in the final against England, told the official channels of the "Canarini Gialli" -. I have tried to show my best on and off the field".

Mert Hakan Yandas, one of the team’s veterans, honored him with these words: "I have seen what a leader looks like, I would like to thank him for always being on the team’s side on and off the field. Everyone at Fenerbahce, players and fans, were lucky to have you here. We thank you for everything".

Bonucci made his debut in the professional leagues in the 2005/2006 season wearing the Inter shirt, a club with which he had completed the youth ranks after his debuts at Viterbese. He then wore the jerseys of Treviso, Pisa, Bari, Juventus (his longest spell, lasting from 2010 to 2017 and from 2018 to 2023), Milan, Union Berlin and Fenerbahce. He boasts 121 appearances (fourth overall, behind Gigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro and Paolo Maldini) and 8 goals in the national team.