Leonardo Bonucci has admitted to being in awe of Cristiano
Ronaldo's physique upon his return from lockdown, insisting the Juventus
forward has "presented himself in perfect condition". Italian football has been suspended since
March 9 due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused 402,561 deaths
worldwide to date.
Players and staff members from clubs across Serie A were forced to self-isolate in accordance with new government legislation regarding social distancing for two months, but restrictions are now beginning to ease amid a significant drop in Covid-19 cases. Juventus are now gearing up for a return to the pitch on June 12 after being cleared to resume full-contact training, with a Coppa Italia semi-final second leg tie against Milan on the cards.
Bonucci says Ronaldo reported for duty in the same exemplary
shape he was in before the hiatus. He told Gazzetta dello Sport: "How did
I find him? How I left him.
"He is a super athlete, a great professional. He told
me what he did to keep fit during the quarantine. He presented himself in
perfect condition. He cannot amaze, he is a champion, from all points of
view." Bonucci has also been a star turn in Juve's starting line up since
returning to the club from Milan in the summer of 2018, playing a key role in
the club's march towards an eighth successive Serie A crown last season.
His performances in defence have helped the Bianconeri fight
for a domestic double and Champions League success this time around, and he is
delighted to be back with his "family" after a difficult spell at San
Siro.
The 33-year-old admits that he rushed into his decision to
leave Juve following their 2017 European Cup final defeat at the hands of Real
Madrid, but insists that the whole experience helped shape his character.
"It was a difficult year for me. Both on a personal and
working level," said Bonucci. "There had been disagreements and I, in
the end, especially after the defeat in the Champions League, made an
unpolished decision - but I have to say that that choice, that it certainly
influenced my career, it improved me as a man.
"Those months at Milan allowed me to look inside and
understand that my place was in Juventus, in this one that I feel like my
family. I met beautiful people at Milan before among these Rino Gattuso. It was
a difficult year, but not in vain. At the end of which I was very happy to go
home. "
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