LEONARDO BONUCCI does not regret having rejected Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.
The Etihad team managed to make him the top defender of the World Cup 8 years ago.
Bonucci revealed: “In 2016, Manchester City and I were close. They donated almost £100 million to Juventus, but in combination with the Club we will continue.
“There were also discussions in 2017, after Juventus put me up for sale. . . In the end, things had to be that way.
“To be controlled by Guardiola would have been a wonderful achievement because he would have overtaken me, but I can’t complain because I’ve won a lot of trophies, individual awards and Euros.
“I always let my heart dictate me, that’s why I stayed at Juventus.”
Instead, City welcomed John Stones in 2016 after his technique for Bonucci was rejected by the Old Lady.
And the Italian only praises the guy he signed in his position by praising the Stones’ abilities.
He said: “It’s hard to find a niche in players like Stones, who have won what he has done.
“He’s a leader, he reads well, he’s got speed and he’s smart.
“He’s a technical player and a nasty defender. At City, Guardiola saw the best role for him, being more of a defender with the ball. He makes mistakes, but who doesn’t?
“He’s still young and has a lot of time to improve and keep winning.
“At the end of the day, who makes the decision as to whether someone is the most productive in the world?Fans, with all due respect, it’s all about whether they like you or not.
“Stones have done wonderful things and I really like him. It’s one of the best in the world.
Bonucci now plies his industry at Union Berlin after bidding farewell to Juventus last summer.
Away from Turin, he faces a new challenge with the German club who have recently been one point away from the relegation zone in the Bundesliga.
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