Leonardo Bonucci, the captain of Italy, has joined Union Berlin from Juventus, the Bundesliga team said on Friday.
In a statement issued by the team, Bonucci stated, “At Union, I have the opportunity to continue playing at the highest level and to support the team on its way in three demanding competitions with my experience.”
“This new station in my career is something I am really looking forward to.”
The center defender, who allegedly signed a one-year contract upon arriving in the German city on a free transfer, will assist Union in getting ready for their first-ever Champions League campaign.
The defender participated in the 2015 and 2017 Champions League finals, in which Juventus lost to Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively. He has 84 caps for the competition.
Oliver Ruhnert, sports director, said, “With Leonardo, we are signing a player with a lot of experience.”
“He has shown his abilities for many years on a national and worldwide scale.
“We are certain that his adaptability and mindset will increase our defense options and propel us to new heights once more.”
In his 121 appearances for Italy, Bonucci scored eight goals and led the Azzurri to the 2021 European Championship.
Awarded the Italian player of the year award in 2016, Bonucci has won nine Serie A championships, eight with Juventus and one with Inter Milan in 2005–06.
After receiving a promotion for the first time in 2019, Union has improved their league standings every season, leading to their fourth-place finish last year and a Champions League berth.
Along with Kevin Volland and Germany’s Robin Gosens, Bonucci is one of the Union team’s many notable new recruits this summer.
Additionally, Union made Diogo Leite’s loan agreement permanent, acquired midfielder Lucas Tousart from neighboring Hertha Berlin, and added Premier League players David Datro Fofana and Brendan Aaronson on loan.
Bonucci may make his Union debut on Sunday when the team hosts RB Leipzig.