Juventus legend Leonardo Bonucci announces his retirement at the end of next season

Juventus legend Leonardo Bonucci has announced he will retire from football at the end of next season. 

The 36-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation and has enjoyed a very successful career at the Old Lady. 

He will be hoping to help his side win the Europa League where they are set to play Sevilla in the second-leg of the semi-final on Thursday after the home clash ended 1-1. 

His contract will expire in June 2024, having penned his previous deal in 2019. 

In an interview to the club’s Youtube channel, Bonucci revealed he will retire from football in 2024. 

“When I stop playing next year, it will be the end of a defensive era, a way of defending Italian style” he said.

Bonucci joined Juventus in the summer of 2010 from Bari, earning his debut against Irish side Shamrock Rovers in a Europa League game in August that year.

The Italian went on to make an incredible 500 appearances for the Turin outfit, with 37 goals and ten assists to his name. 

He lifted six consecutive Serie A titles with the Old Lady between 2012 and 2017, and also played in two Champions League finals. 

The 36-year-old formed a legendary defensive partnership with Giorgio Chiellini at both international and club level. 

The two greats achieved enormous success for both Italy and Juve, with their most recent achievement coming at Euro 2020 when they defeated England in the final on penalties. 

However, Chiellini left to join MLS side Los Angeles last summer, while Bonucci is now set to walk away from football at the end of next season.