Defender rules out a move to Chelsea, but hails Antonio Conte

Leonardo Bonucci has ruled out a move to Premier League club Chelsea, but also hailed his former boss Antonio Conte.

The 29-year-old Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci said that Antonio Conte helped him transform him into a world class player. He also said that Juventus’ recent success is because of former manager Conte.

In an interview with La Gazzetta Dello Sport, the Italian has revealed how he could turn around things at Juventus. Bonucci praised his former boss who was the manager of both Juventus and also Italy national team.

Bonucci started his professional career with Inter Milan but was loaned out to few other Italian clubs. Later in 2010, he joined Juventus on a four-year contract for a fee around €15.5 million. In his last six seasons with Juventus, he showed consistency and also continued to be their first choice centre back.

In 2011, Antonio Conte was named as the manager of Juventus and since then Bonucci and Conte have worked together till 2015 at both club and national levels.

The Italian defender has praised his former boss for transforming him into a world-class centre-back. He also said that Conte improved the whole style at Juventus and also brought success to the club.

Bonucci said, “Antonio Conte has transformed me from a technical and tactical level.”

“He has transformed us all at Juve.”

“He took a team from seventh place to a team who has won three consecutive championships.”

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Antonio Conte’s Juventus became one the best teams in Europe by the end of 2013-14 season. Juventus won three straight Serie A titles under the management of Conte.

After 2014 FIFA World Cup, Cesare Prandelli was replaced by Antonio Conte as the former Juventus manager was appointed as Italy national team coach.

Later in April 2016, it was confirmed that Conte will become the new manager of Chelsea from 2015-16 season. The Italian made an instant impact at Stamford Bridge, as they are currently on a 12 match winning streak.

During last summer transfer window, Bonucci was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea. But instead, Conte decided to buy David Luiz from PSG.

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Asked if he could join Conte at Chelsea, Bonucci said he want to be a legend at the club. He seems to be enjoying his seventh season at Juventus, having made over 290 appearances for the club.

“I want to become a legend here at Juve,” said Bonucci.