Former Juventus, Milan, West Ham and Charlton player Paolo di Canio is shocked at the transfer to Milan of Juventus and Italy stalwart Leonardo Bonucci. “It is incredible!” di Canio said in the Mixed Zone during the Star Sixes tournament held at London’s O2. “I didn’t really expect it but after what happened last season between him and his manager (Massimiliano Allegri) I thought one of them would have to leave. This is Juventus and they are a big club so this type of thing (brazen disagreement between coach and player) would not be allowed to stand,” he said.
Towards the end of last season it had been widely reported in Italy that both men had disagreed and were not on speaking terms. Some rumours even surfaced that it was a factor in the 2nd half collapse to Real Madrid in the Champions League final. “So I expected Bonucci to leave for Chelsea or Real Madrid or another team outside of Italy. I did not expect him at AC Milan, a club that is starting a new revolution. It was better for Bonucci and Juventus that they split and it was going to happen anyway,”Paolo di Canio said.
On the current huge transfer fees being paid this summer the former Sunderland manager says “you know England and the Premier League is the richest league in the world especially with all the TV money. So, when a player can move from France to Italy he might cost £30m but if a club like Man City in England want him then minimum the selling club will ask for £50m”.
Paolo di Canio keeps fit by doing “lots of extreme sports, running 25km and rock climbing”. Throughout the Star Sixes tournament he looked like a man on a mission even at 50 years old.
