Leonardo Bonucci has now revealed that he came close to leaving Juventus for Manchester City in 2016.
The 36-year-old made the comments when speaking to The Sun.
So, what did Leonardo Bonucci say about Manchester City? Let’s take a look…
Manchester City almost signed Bonucci
Well, the Italy international was one of Europe’s greatest central defenders back in 2016.
Bonucci made the UEFA Team of the Year for 2016 and was also named in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season for the 2016/17 campaign.
Unsurprisingly, the Italian’s form caught the eye of Manchester City, and a £100m deal was “close” to materialising until he decided to stay at Juventus.
Bonucci said: “In 2016, Man City and I were close. They offered almost £100m to Juventus but together with the club we decided to continue. There were talks in 2017, too, after Juventus put me up for sale.
“Being managed by Guardiola would have been a great achievement because he would have improved me but I can’t complain because I won many trophies, individual awards and the Euros. I always let my heart dictate me, that’s why I stayed at Juventus.”
Bonucci eventually sealed a £35.1m move to AC Milan in July 2017 – so the decision to ignore a £100m bid from Manchester City just 12 months earlier was a strange one.
Everything worked out for Manchester City
Despite being rejected by Bonucci, things worked out for Manchester City.
The Citizens ended up signing John Stones for just £47.5m in August 2016 – less than half of the offer for the Italian defender.
That move has been a tremendous investment for Manchester City, and the rise of Stones has coincided with Bonucci’s gradual decline – he was sold back to Juventus in August 2018 after struggling at the San Siro.
That rejection was clearly a blessing in disguise – to say the least.
