Union Berlin sign Leonardo Bonucci

Widely considered to be one of the finest central defenders of his generation, Bonucci has signed a one-year deal through to the end of the 2023/24 season, when the 36-year-old will retire from playing.

"It is special for me to take the step abroad for the first time in my career. At Union, I have the opportunity to continue playing at the highest level and to support the team on its way in three demanding competitions with my experience. I am very much looking forward to this new station in my career” said Bonucci on his move to the capital.

Bonucci brings a wealth of a experience to the table for a Union team preparing to compete in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history, following last season's incredible fourth-placed Bundesliga finish, where they will meet Real Madrid, Napoli and Braga.

The 121-time senior international helped Italy win the rescheduled UEFA 2020 Euros, adding to the eight Serie A titles and four Coppa Italias the he lifted across a 502-game spell with Juventus. The 2016 Italian Player of the Year has also played for both Milan clubs, winning his first Serie A crown in 2005/06 with Inter.

"With Leonardo, we are signing a player with a lot of experience, " said Union’s director of men’s professional football, Oliver Ruhnert. “He has proven his qualities over many years both nationally and internationally. We are convinced that with his mentality and his flexibility he will expand our possibilities in defence and raise us to another level once again."

Playing Bundesliga football for the fifth season in a row since their first-ever promotion to the top flight, Union are quietly building a squad designed to take them to the next level and sit top of the Bundesliga table at the time of the Italian's arrival.

As well as Bonucci, Die Eisernen have recruited Germany internationals Robin Gosens and Kevin Volland, Chelsea youngster David Fofana and USA talent Brenden Aaronson, among others.