Juventus' Leonardo Bonucci reveals long-standing Manchester City interest

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has revealed that he turned down the chance to sign for Manchester City in 2020.

The Italy international is a legendary figure in Turin having made 449 appearances across two spells for Juventus, the stint being interrupted by a year at AC Milan.

However, the 34-year-old's career could have turned out differently with the veteran acknowledging that he has had multiple chances to move to the Premier League champions having been approached by Pep Guardiola.

Speaking to The Athletic, Bonucci said: "I had this dream of being coached by Pep. The closest we came was in 2016. I was on the brink of joining City. We were down to the very last details then Juventus decided not to sell.

"We decided to stay together. Then, when I went to AC Milan, I could have gone to City but several things had to fall into place for it to happen. I'd also given my word to Milan. Last year, I spoke to Pep again.

"He wanted me but I told him: 'Juventus is my home. I'm happy here. I feel at home here'. I wanted to make up the ground I lost by going to Milan for a season. Becoming a symbol of Juventus again is the most exciting thing I could be doing in my career right now."

Bonucci was speaking ahead of squaring off against European champions Chelsea on Wednesday evening.