Bonucci: Joining Guardiola at Manchester City tempting

Omnisports

September 16, 2016 8:56 AM

Leonardo Bonucci has acknowledged he pondered leaving Juventus for Manchester City because of Pep Guardiola's desire to sign him

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Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has admitted the prospect of teaming up with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City made him consider leaving the Serie A champions 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."

Bonucci, 29, has a contract with Juventus until June 2020.

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