Bonucci: The prodigal son or a traitor?

In his seven years at record champions Juventus, Leonardo Bonucci was always one of the club's favorites and identification figures. In 2013, the defender watched the Juventus-Fiorentina game, which he missed due to a suspension, together with the Ultras from the “Curva Sud”. In terms of sport, things also went like clockwork. One championship title followed the next and they also reached the finals of the Champions League in 2015 and 2017.

Mixing concrete together again: Leonardo Bonucci (left) and Andrea Barzagli. © APA/afp / OLIVIER MORIN

Together with Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli, he formed a defense chain that was almost impossible to overcome. The so-called “BBC” was feared throughout Europe. A change in the defense chief was hardly conceivable. But then everything turned out completely differently. There was talk of arguments during half-time in the 2017 Champions League final and Bonucci was identified as a troublemaker. The 31-year-old then lacked the appreciation and support of the club and insisted on a change. Moved to Milan in summer 2017 This is how the transfer to Milan came about in July 2017. Bonucci was welcomed by Milan as a savior after a few difficult years. The Rossoneri wanted to build on their old successes together with Italian national players. The defender was immediately given the captain's armband in Milan and, like at Juve, should become an identification figure. But the season at Milan didn't go as planned. Only sixth place in the league and therefore missed the season goal of the Champions League. Bonucci himself was also unable to match his performance at Juventus and his desire to play for the traditional Milan club increasingly faded. At Milan, Bonucci was supposed to be a savior - but after just one season he left again. © ANSA / ANGELO CARCONI

The defender was not happy in Milan and he longed for Turin. The Rossoneri responded to Bonucci's wishes and also sought a move to the Bianconeri. In return, the Milanese demanded Gonzalo Higuain and Mattia Caldara. Sportnews reported on the swap deal. Fans are angry However, the change was not well received in the fan camps of Juventus and Milan. In Turin, opinions are divided among the “Tifosi”. Some welcome the return of the “Prodigal Son” and see him as a real reinforcement for the defense. However, the majority of Juventus fans have a different opinion. For them, Bonucci is a traitor and unworthy of wearing the record champions' dress again. Many don't forgive him for celebrating his goal in the game against Juve last season. At that time, the Italian international celebrated his goal under the curve, a few meters away from the ultras. Still others accuse Bonucci of thinking he is more important than the club. A no-go for the ultras. Only through strong performances on the pitch can the defender regain the favor of the “Tifosi”. First teammates, then opponents, now teammates again: Bonucci (back) and Juve's Mario Mandzukic. © APA/afp / TIZIANA FABI

The Milan fan bloc has united against Bonucci. For them, the 31-year-old is not worthy of the club because he is leaving Milan after just one year as captain without any success. They don't see “Bonny” as the top defender he thinks he is, partly because of his poor performances.

His new old teammates at Juve have not yet written him a welcome message on social media. In contrast, Gonzalo Higuain was farewelled by the majority of the players.

Serie A Italy	SP	TV	P
1. Inter	33	79:18	86
2.Milan	33	64:39	69
3. Juventus	33	47:26	64
4.Bologna	33	48:26	62
5. Roma	32	57:38	55
6. Atalanta	32	59:37	54
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Bonucci: The prodigal son or a traitor?

The spectacular swap deal between Milan and Juventus has been completed, but there is still heated debate about who was involved. Leonardo Bonucci's return to Juve upset many fans. Curiously, from both fan camps.

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