JUVENTUS icon Leonardo Bonucci is on the brink of a return to the Champions League with a shock new club.
The Italian legend, 36, is set to join Bundesliga side Union Berlin, on their debut campaign in the competition.
GettyItalian legend Leonardo Bonucci is leaving Juventus to join Union Berlin[/caption]
Fabrizio Romano says the defender will travel to the German capital today to complete a deal.
In his prime, Bonucci was once the top centre-backs in world football, winning eight titles with Juventus while leading Italy to glory at Euro 2020.
The veteran is now approaching the end of his glittering career.
And Bonucci recently announced his intention to hang up his boots in 2024.
However, the defender is ready for one last dance with Berlin before bowing out.
He will join the Die Eisernen on a free transfer signing a one-year deal with an option for a further season to be decided.
It will be the first time he has ever played outside of Italy.
The Italian ace initially received interest from Premier League side Newcastle, the MLS and Saudi Arabia.
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But Bonucci is eager to play at the highest level with Champions League football on the cards.
A move for the Juventus star to the Bundesliga side is favourable as they are making their Champions League debut this season.
The defender made his professional appearance back in 2006 with Inter Milan.
Having been an integral part of the Bianconeri’s backline for over a decade Bonucci’s departure marks the end of an era.
The centre-back joined Juventus in 2010, where, apart from the 2017-18 season with AC Milan, he has been ever since.
He has made exactly 500 appearances for the club.
However, the Champions League trophy has proved elusive, with Bonucci experiencing heartbreaking defeats in the final on two occasions.
Bonucci’s transfer to Germany can potentially pave the way for him to grab the missing piece of silverware.