Bonucci on Chiellini: The Story of Italian Football
Leonardo Bonucci, former Juventus and Italian national team defender, has paid tribute to his ex-teammate Giorgio Chiellini following the announcement of his retirement. Speaking to Sky Sport, Bonucci expressed deep regard for Chiellini and the contribution he made to the game.
Bonucci acknowledged his anticipation of Chiellini’s retirement and shared his warm appreciation. “Giorgio is the history of Italian football. I had the fortune and pleasure to experience him on and off the field and I think he is one of the few friends football has given me and will leave me. We’ve shared a lot and it’s a sad day because you would wish that certain players would never stop. As a player, he leaves a unique legacy,” he said.
He also reflected on their experience competing in the European Championship. “That photo was born out of my exuberance, we two are like day and night in terms of character,” Bonucci reminisced. “I went to his room and told him it was time to jump on the trend of taking a photo with the trophy in bed. We supported each other both in the National team and at Juventus in beautiful and ugly moments,” he added. Bonucci further stated that their disagreements had been sources of growth for them both, if they were intelligent, seeking a compromise between their positions and uniting in difficult times both on and off the field to achieve their goals.
On the reference to ‘BBC’, a defense line acronym of Juventus comprising Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini, Bonucci pointed out, “One thing I like to highlight when we are mentioned with this acronym is that we have done a lot, but the number one of number ones was behind us. Buffon is the one who made us grow the most and it would be more correct to talk about BBBC,” indicating goal-keeper Gianluigi Buffon’s substantial influence on their success. Bonucci also acknowledged the likes of Conte who were pivotal in harnessing the team’s potential, “The numbers say that we have made part of the history of football and the credit goes to Conte who was able to read our characteristics and exploit them in the best way,” he further emphasised.
Finally, he commented on his speculated future at Juventus, “I’ve always said that one of my dreams is to coach Juventus, the road is long and it will not be easy.” Bonucci also hinted at the possible role of Chiellini as a Juventus executive, “Giorgio has in his nature that of being an executive and maybe one day we will be here talking about this one next to the other. We’ll see what will happen and we will give it our all.”