Leonardo Bonucci released a statement in response to reports that he was furious regarding his exclusion from Union Berlin’s Champions League clash with Napoli.
On Tuesday, reports emerged that the 36-year-old Italian veteran wouldn’t be starting in the European encounter in Berlin, claiming that the defender had requested a meeting with the coach to clarify the decision.
Bonucci remained an unused substitute in Union’s loss to Napoli and was also left on the bench for the 3-0 loss to Stuttgart on the weekend. He is contracted to the German club until the end of the season, when he is expected to retire.
Writing on his Instagram story, Bonucci responded to the reports, claiming that he was not angry at the decision and was happy with Union.
“Without being surprised anymore, I once again read invented news about myself. I have constructive discussions with the coach on a daily basis.
“I was welcomed very well, and we all absolutely want to get out of this situation, especially for the fans, extraordinary for their closeness and dedication. I have always respected every coach’s decision and that was the case yesterday too.”
“As I have already had the opportunity to write over time, in a team game the ‘we’ always comes before the ‘I’.
“The desire to play was unquestionably great but today the individual definitely takes second place compared to the need to defend the team, because in the end, this trending news end up damaging the team and not me, who is accustomed to certain unpleasant situations to say the least.
“Check carefully before speaking, Forza Union!”
Bonucci has seen 414 minutes of action across five total appearances for Union this season, including starting their opening two Champions League matches against Real Madrid and Braga.
