Bonucci extends Juventus contract until 2021
Leonardo Bonucci has committed his long-term future to Juventus after agreeing to a contract extension that will see him remain with the Serie A title holder until 2021.
(Courtesy: Juventus)
The announcement comes less than a week after the club completed contract extensions with Stefano Sturaro and Daniele Rugani.
The extension should also end speculation regarding a possible transfer away from Juventus following a summer when he was linked with a move to England, as Chelsea and Manchester City were reportedly in pursuit of his signature.
However, Bonucci told the team's website that he's content to stay at Juve where he's played a vital role in helping the Italian giants win five straight Serie A titles.
"I'm pleased and proud to continue our victorious, successful journey until 2021," he said.
"It's definitely a great feeling. I feel an important part of one big family. You achieve this by working hard and always being there for your teammates, helping out when the going gets tough and celebrating all together in successful periods."
Bonucci added that he's not satsifed with the trophy haul he's helped Juventus capture since his arrival in 2010, and even hinted at possibly representing the Bianconeri beyond 2021.
"We've won so much over the last few years and we know that going forward it will be harder than ever to get results," he added. "That said, life would be dull if you didn't have something great to fight for. Our aim is therefore to play to win every match and lift lots of trophies between now and 2021 and, who knows, perhaps even beyond.
"I've always said I'll only stop improving when I hang up my boots. Sure it's a cliche but it definitely sums up my desire to get better, to consistently look at myself in the mirror and never give up. At Juventus I've met some incredible people both from a technical, tactical and footballing perspective and from a moral standpoint."
Juve may not be finished signing its stars to extensions as 21-year-old forward Paulo Dybala could be next in line to put pen to paper on a new long-term contract.