Amidst the shock that is yet to fade away for Leonardo Bonucci's move from Juventus to Milan, the Italian national himself decided to tackle a number of issues related to his decision:
"Allegri? My relationship with him was always crystal clear; with him I played a lot, because I was considered important. Having discussions is normal, since I'm a very direct person who tends to be honest about everything. With Allegri I had no particular problem." Then, about the Porto controversy: "That episode is talked of as the most important, but in reality it was just the straw that broke the camel's back. There had been previous situations. Regardless, everything was sorted out after."
About coming back to J-Stadium as an opponent: "I don't feel like a traitor or a mercenary. If they boo me, the must know that criticism has always given me strength, and at the Juventus Stadium it'll be no different."
On Milan: "I live for challenges and this will be a fascinating one, even on a personal level. Being 'hungry' for me is key, it makes you give it your all even when you're drained. As a youngster I was fascinated by the rossoneri legends. Players like Nesta, who was my role model, and Maldini..."
About his new defensive partner, Alessio Romagnoli: "Will we be like Nesta and Thiago Silva? It certainly has a nice ring to it. Let's hope so; I'll be well disposed and the players who were already there will show me around the Milan world, which is very different to that of Juve. After six winning years with Juve, I've become a leader, but I'll still arrive at Milan on my tiptoes. Simply, the team knows that they can count on my experiences and that nothing will be impossible."
On the reasons behind his decision: "In the last season with Juve, our bond started to fade away and both the club and I realised that it would be better to separate. To give it my all I need to feel important, which is something that wasn't constant at Juve. And that wasn't fine by me. It was a hard choice for me because seven years are impossible to forget. Ultimately, I think each party has benefited from this transfer: Milan, Juve and myself."
