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Leo's temptation

Leonardo Bonucci reveals he was tempted by summer move to Manchester City

Juventus and Italy defender was flattered by Pep Guardiola's interest but admits he remembered his “dream as a child”

LEONARDO BONUCCI has revealed he was tempted by a summer move to Manchester City.

The Italian central defender was a £38million summer target for Pep Guardiola.

However, he decided to stay at Juventus because he remembered his “dream as a child”.

Leonardo Bonucci during Serie A match between Juventus v Fiorentina, in Turin, on August 20, 2016 (Photo by Loris Roselli/NurPhoto via Getty Images).
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Leonardo Bonucci turned down the chance to move to Manchester City in summerCredit: Getty Images

He said: “If I said I wasn’t at all tempted, I’d be a hypocrite.

“I have always said that Juventus is my home and I am happy with the choice I made.

“But, this summer, there was a slight temptation — above all, because of the manager who wanted me.”

“But, at a certain point, I stopped myself because my dream as a child was to win with Juventus and I am ready to improve and to ensure that this Juventus side becomes legendary.”

Meanwhile, the 29-year-old admitted he wasn’t too pleased with the impatience of the Bianconeri supporters on Wednesday evening.

TURIN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 14: Leonardo Bonucci (R) of Juventus FC competes with Vitolo of Sevilla FC during the UEFA Champions League Group H match between Juventus FC and Sevilla FC at Juventus Stadium on September 14, 2016 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
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Leonardo Bonucci tries to win the ball during clash with Sevilla at Juventus StadiumCredit: Getty Images
TURIN, ITALY - AUGUST 20: Juventus FC head coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and ACF Fiorentina at Juventus Arena on August 20, 2016 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
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Juventus boss, Massimiliano Allegri, will have been delighted to keep his manCredit: Getty Images
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Josep Guardiola manager of Manchester City reacts during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City FC and VfL Borussia Moenchengladbach at Etihad Stadium on September 14, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
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Pep Guardiola missed out on the chance to sign Leonardo Bonucci in summerCredit: Getty Images
TURIN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 14: Leonardo Bonucci (R) of Juventus FC clashes with Franco Vazquez of Sevilla FC during the UEFA Champions League Group H match between Juventus FC and Sevilla FC at Juventus Stadium on September 14, 2016 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
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Leonardo Bonucci was critical of Juventus fans during clash with SevillaCredit: Getty Images

Juventus have won Serie A for the past five seasons and are regarded as one of the favourites to win a first Champions League for 21 years.

However, they started their European campaign with a 0-0 draw at home to Sevilla and Bonucci was disappointed some fans grew impatient so early on.

He added on Instagram: “We fought but didn’t believe enough.

“We created six or seven chances but, unlike in the league, we weren’t as good at finishing them off.

“I was disappointing with the behaviour of the supporters during the 90 minutes.

“The team needs supports and, instead, after 20 minutes, there was already disgruntling in the stands.”

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