Manchester City have been given encouragement in their pursuit of Leonardo Bonucci after the Juventus defender revealed his joy at being labelled one of Pep Guardiola’s favourite players.
Guardiola has been very vocal in his admiration of Bonucci and failed in his attempts to sign the defender from Juventus last summer, but still sees the Italy international as the perfect player to bring the best out of John Stones.
Bonucci only signed a new long-term deal with Juventus in December but his relationship with manager Max Allegri has reportedly strained over the course of the season and there have been suggestions the Italian defender would be open to leaving if Allegri remains at the club for next season.
While it remains to be seen whether Bonucci will leave the Old Lady this summer, City would certainly appear to be in pole position for his signature should he become available after the 29-year-old talked up Guardiola and English football.
“When the best manager in the world says you’re one of his favourite players, you act like it’s nothing,” he said in an interview with So Foot, via Manchester Evening News. “But you still can’t help but have a smile on your lips. This praise only confirms my important progress. It’s always nice.
“It fascinates me,” Bonucci continued when asked about the Premier League. “When I can, I watch English games, and not only for the quality of players on display.
“I’m hot-headed, and I love the passion that exudes from their packed stands. It’s for that kind of thing that I’m the first on the training pitch and the last to return the changing room.”
Bonucci is widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in Europe following his monumental performances at Euro 2016 and his signature would not come cheap for City or any interested club, particularly after he extended his contract earlier this season.
Only Bruno Alves (192) and Nicolas Burdisso (186) have completed more accurate long balls in Serie A this season than Bonucci (172).
For more stats on Leonardo Bonucci, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
