Bonucci admits Guardiola and Manchester City was 'tempting'
Leonardo Bonucci was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, but he eventually decided to stay with Juventus instead.
Published : Sep 16, 2016 17:06 IST
Italy and Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has admitted the prospect of teaming up with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City made him consider leaving the Serie A champion during the close season.
The Italy international was heavily linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, but he eventually decided to stay with Juventus instead.
"I did give it some thought. Guardiola's insistence destabilised me a little," Bonucci told reporters.
"I did not speak to Pep directly, it was just an exchange of thoughts with my agent. It was tempting, but I decided to follow my heart in the end. I opted to stay at a great team with big objectives. I want to end the project that we started in 2010 in the best way possible.
"We are in talks with the club [over a new deal]. The most beautiful thing for me is how Juventus have shown that I am very important for the club. This has motivated me to keep improving and to always give 110 per cent," said the defender.
Bonucci, 29, has a contract with Juventus until June 2020.