I hope to hear the fans sing my name again - Bonucci right at home with Juve

Relations were frosty with fans when Leonardo Bonucci returned to Juventus, but the defender is winning them over again.

Published : Oct 03, 2018 13:43 IST

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci
Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci
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Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci

Leonardo Bonucci hopes to hear the Juventus fans sing his name once more after stating he has "a place that I can call home again".

The Italy centre-back controversially swapped the Serie A champion for AC Milan ahead of the 2017-18 season, but returned to Turin after a disappointing campaign at San Siro.

Upon his return, Bonucci was jeered by sections of the club's fanbase and was even asked by one fan: "when will you apologise for your betrayal?".

But, Juve has been impressive so far this campaign, setting the pace in the title race with Bonucci once again at the heart of its defence. He also played a wonderful assist for Paulo Dybala’s opener in Tuesday's 3-0 Champions League win over Young Boys, helping the club make it two wins from two in Europe.

READ: Messi relishing England trip, Dortmund faces home woes - Champions League in Opta numbers

And, Bonucci is confident he can continue to mend his relationship with the Juventus supporters. "Yes, for now [there is peace with the fans]. The whistles have become applause and I hope to continue like this," he told reporters.

"Now, it's just me. I must continue to work and demonstrate [my talent] on the pitch as I have done so far, and I hope to increase the applause and to feel the Curva [Sud] sing my name as they did in the past."

"I know it was a difficult year for them as it was for me, but I will do everything I can to convince them on the field."

"These two victories were very significant for me because they show I'm settled down again here. A place that I can call my home again."

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