Leonardo Bonucci Reflects on Decision to Stay at Juventus over Manchester City

Leonardo Bonucci has revealed just how close he came to walking away from Juventus for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City – and how his heart, his family and his club pulled him back.

The former Italy defender, who retired in 2024 and now works on Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri staff preparing for Nations League games against Belgium, Turkiye and France, admitted the pull of Guardiola was unlike anything he had experienced.

‘Being courted by Guardiola is not like any other experience’

For years, Guardiola made no secret of his admiration for Bonucci, a centre-back who could pass like a playmaker and launch attacks from deep. At his peak in Turin, the Italian looked tailor‑made for a Guardiola back line.

"The 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons allowed me to achieve incredible heights in my career," Bonucci told World Soccer Agency, via Sport Mediaset. "I played in the Champions League Final against Barcelona in 2015, then a year later was at the European Championship, losing to Germany on penalties after I scored past Manuel Neuer. It was the start of my career truly taking off."

Those were the years when Manchester City came calling. Hard.

"For my style of football, the coach who is best suited and most appreciates playing out from the back is Guardiola. So he courted me for many weeks, and let me tell you, being courted by Guardiola is not like any other experience.

"You really do start to wobble, and it was tough taking place during the Euros, where I had to be concentrated, but even during the tournament there were some discussions."

The Premier League, the chance to work under Guardiola, a project built around his strengths – it was all there. On some days, it almost won.

"As far as I was concerned, the idea of leaving Juventus made my heart ache. Some days I'd say to myself, oh wonderful, the Premier League and Guardiola, but then the day after I remembered that I had always dreamed of Juventus."

Juventus, family and a decision that never really changed

Bonucci’s bond with Juventus ran deep. He joined the club in 2010, became part of the legendary BBC back three with Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli, and stayed until 2023, interrupted only by a single, turbulent season at Milan in 2017/18.

The City offer, though, arrived at a complicated time in his life. His young son Matteo had been diagnosed with a serious illness. That changed the picture.

"After the Euros, I spoke to Juve. Matteo's illness and the fact I didn't feel 100 per cent about leaving Juve, especially as the club told me that I would not be sold even if an incredible offer came in, made it a normal decision to stay.

"Working with Guardiola would've allowed me to have even greater experience, technically and tactically."

Juventus’ stance was firm: even huge bids would not shift them. Bonucci’s doubts about leaving, his son’s condition and the club’s refusal to cash in combined to close the door on Manchester.

The Milan detour and a path almost broken

Ironically, Bonucci did leave Juventus not long after, but not for England and not for Guardiola. In 2017 he moved to Milan, a shock transfer sparked by a notorious falling‑out with coach Max Allegri.

"I had lost my focus with what happened in 2017. I was about to become a pillar of Juventus, that was the path I was meant to be on."

That Milan spell lasted just one season. With the storm around Allegri easing and the defender’s own compass resetting, Bonucci returned to Turin and picked up the black‑and‑white shirt once more.

He never played for Guardiola. He never tried the Premier League. Yet from his vantage point now, on the Italy bench and looking back at those sliding doors moments, the defender who once stood in a Wembley rain holding the Henri Delaunay Trophy knows exactly which path defined him: the one that kept leading back to Juventus.