Juve reject bid for Bonucci

Bonucci: Is being chased by the Russian champions to reinforce their rearguard

Juventus have confirmed they have rejected a bid for defender Leonardo Bonucci from Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg.

"Leonardo is young, last year was his first experience in a big team and we're counting on him for next season."
Juve administrator Giuseppe Marotta Quotes of the week

The Italy international was a regular at the heart of the Juve defence last season alongside Giorgio Chiellini - a partnership that was replicated an international level.

Bonucci was signed from Bari just a year ago but his rapid progress has not gone unnoticed by teams outside Italy.

Request

"It's true that there was a request from Zenit St Petersburg but we're counting on him," said Juve's administrative delegator Giuseppe Marotta.

"Leonardo is young, last year was his first experience in a big team and we're counting on him for next season.

"Hence we don't want to accept the Russian club's request."

Bonucci has shown real determination through his career to make it a success.

He started his career at Inter Milan before he was loaned out to Treviso and Pisa, before later joining Bari.

During his time at Inter, he only managed to make one first-team appearance, but Marotta's comments about his Juve experience being his first at a big club are sure to rile the Inter hierarchy.