By Matthias Koch and Sebastian Karkos
He has arrived in the capital! Italy legend Leonardo Bonucci (36) lands late Thursday evening around 9:30 p.m. at the business terminal of Berlin Airport – to complete his move to the Bundesliga to 1. FC Union on Friday.
He will then sign a one-year contract with an option for another.
A video had previously been circulating online showing Bonucci at the airport before taking off for Berlin. Now there are the first photos of his arrival in Berlin. The 36-year-old looks totally casual in a long-sleeved black polo shirt and beige trousers. Also present: his advisors.
Bonucci (left) arrives at Berlin Airport Photo: Matthew Koch
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Bonucci has signed with the Champions League club for a year with the option of another.
According to BZ information, the defender comes free of charge with a trick!
His contract with Juve, which runs until 2024, will be terminated, and the annual salary agreed in it (around EUR 3.6 million) will be shared by both clubs.
In the “Old Lady” he recently played no role in the plans of coach Massimiliano Allegri (56) and was excluded from the squad.
With Bonucci Union gets an experienced defense chief. The Italian made 431 appearances in Serie A, winning nine times and wearing the Squadra Azzurra shirt 131 times.
He had also been linked with a potential transfer to Lazio in recent days. But he canceled the Romans in favor of the Union change on Thursday – and the Berliners. So he decided to move to the Bundesliga.
However, an appearance on Sunday in the top game against Leipzig (5.30 p.m.) is still too early for him. But what Bonucci can already look forward to: participation in the Champions League. The draw for the groups on Thursday evening revealed that Union will meet Real Madrid, SSC Napoli and SC Braga – and then with the Italy star.