Leonardo Bonucci was the talk of the town all summer as many English clubs had their eyes on the Italian defender who has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the world at the moment. The Juventus star was subject to interest from a host of big clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United but Bonucci has revealed that he rejected a move to a foreign country because of his son's poor health.
Bonucci and his longtime girlfriend, Martina Maccari have two sons of which the younger one, Matteo has suffered health problems since last year. The two-year-old had to undergo a surgery in recent months which resulted in Leonardo Bonucci rejecting any moves from any club.
The 29-year-old got emotional in a press conference ahead of Italy's World Cup qualifier against Spain on Thursday. This will be Bonucci's first appearance for the Azzurri since the Euros as he missed a game for Italy in September due to his son's health.
He said, “What I've been through in the last few months has given me a lot of strength. I thank my son and my wife, we fought hard together. Matteo has given me so much strength, as have Lorenzo and my wife.”
“These are the moments when you grow, the real important things. I can understand some criticism or discussion, scolding or grumbling because there is always room to improve, but there are more important things in life than a bad clearance,” he concluded
Italy are level on points with Spain at the top of Group G but each team has only played once each. Along with their upcoming opponents and Israel, the Italians will also have to be up against Albania and Liechtenstein to qualify for Russia 2018.
Manchester United are expected to bid in excess of £40 million for the defender next summer with Juventus reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of £50-60 million.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are ready to break the transfer record for defenders next summer to reunite Antonio Conte and Leonardo Bonucci as the Blues have lacked solidity in the back which resulted in defeats against Arsenal and Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola of Manchester City is also an admirer of the Italian and tried his luck in the summer for Bonucci but Juventus thwarted all their advances.
For more articles like this and all news related to the wide world of football, please click here.
