What a difference a year makes. Just 12 months ago, Juventus centre-back Leonardo Bonucci caused shockwaves across the Italian football landscape as news emerged that he had agreed to join AC Milan, breaking up the famous “BBC” back three that was also made up of Italy team-mates Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli.
A falling out with Bianconeri boss Max Allegri had preceded the transfer and – as the Milanese giants were splashing the cash following their takeover by a Chinese investor – the Juve stalwart had opted to jump ship. One of the very best defenders in the world and having arrived with a plethora of experience, the Rossoneri immediately made Bonucci their club captain, but he was about to realise that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
Under Coach Vincenzo Montella, the defender made a whole host of uncharacteristic mistakes, his early performances extremely nervy in a new and unfamiliar environment. “When I chose Milan, I knew very well that I could win less, but the presence of the club is important,” admitted Bonucci after a 2-0 defeat to Sampdoria in late September. “They’ve sent a message to everyone and we can’t mess around this season.
“Milan must go back to being Milan and we have to overcome these obstacles. How to get out of this funk? We have to stimulate our mind and body in order to go beyond our limits. I’m not happy with my performances for Milan so far, but there’s a desire to respond on the pitch to what’s been said.”
When Montella was replaced by Gennaro Gattuso, Milan and Bonucci would show considerable improvement, but for all the summer promise and investment it would turn out to be the house that was built upon the sand. After months of speculation, owner Li Yonghong finally reneged on his agreement with so-called vulture fund Elliott Management – who had provided a large capital boost into the club – and the latter company would seize hold of the San Siro giants in July.
That would see Milan win their appeal over an expulsion from European competition, but it seems that Captain Bonucci no longer wants to be a part of a club that he joined under a very different premise. The optimism felt by Rossoneri supporters last summer may seem like a long time ago now, but back then it was real and it genuinely seemed that the club would very soon be back at the top.
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Now that the journey back to prominence is going to take much longer and be a lot more arduous than first thought, it seems like Bonucci is ready to move on. “I’ve spoken to Leo and you need to be honest and say things as they are,” Gattuso revealed at a press conference in the United States on Monday. “Leo had a meeting with me, but I am not the club and he needs to talk to the directors.
“Until he leaves my dressing room, I want to see the Bonucci I’ve seen over the last 12 days – a professional Bonucci, he is the first to push the group and he is behaving as a great captain. “Then it will be up to Leo and the club to decide, but I hope that Bonucci can stay here. He is a player with great mentality and talent. I think that when a player expresses a desire, the Coach must do all he can to convince him to stay.”
Tuesday’s edition of Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the defender could even re-sign for his old club in a move that would see Chelsea target Gonzalo Higuain heading in the other direction as Milan are still desperate for a proven goalscorer. Such a move would mean that Bonucci had successfully managed to cause seismic waves in the transfer market for two years running, with the report having revealed that there has been contact between the defender and Juve director general Beppe Marotta.
Today’s news will also put the likes of Manchester United and Paris Saint Germain on high alert, the former having courted the centre-back for a long time and the latter offering a chance for a reunion with Gianluigi Buffon.
It seems like the last year has been one to forget for Leonardo Bonucci, and one team is going to be the recipient of a massive bonus when he chooses to wipe the slate clean and start again.
