Italy and Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has publicly thanked Azzurri coach Antonio Conte for changing the course of his career.
The Azzurri centre-back has remarked how Conte made him step up in class to the level necessary to compete internationally.
“Since his arrival at Juventus, the coach [Conte] helped me achieve my full potential,” said Bonucci during a press conference ahead of the friendly match against Germany.
“At the beginning of our relationship we had our fights, because I wasn’t in such a great form.
“He taught me a lot from a tactical point of view. If today I am among the best, I have coach Conte to thank”.
Bonucci has been linked with a move to Chelsea, should Conte take over the London club, but nevertheless denied the rumours.
“I met with Conte in a bar, for a coffee” joked the Bianconeri defender.
“I have recently renewed my deal with Juventus. I don’t even know what Conte is going to do with his career, but I am going to respect my contract”.
Bonucci has accumulated 54 international caps with Italy during his career, scoring three goals.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com