Leonardo Bonucci s decision to leave six-time reigning Serie A champions Juventus for rivals AC Milan was not due to a falling out with head coach Massimiliano Allegri, according to his wife.
Bonucci sensationally quit Juve in the off-season, the Italy international centre-back joining Milan in a €42million deal.
The 30-year-old s departure from Turin, shortly after Juve lost to Real Madrid in the Champions League final, sparked speculation of a row with Allegri, however those claims were dismissed by Bonucci s wife Martina Maccari.
His decision wasn t due to an argument with Max Allegri, Maccari told Rai Radio 1.
In a professional setting, I think balance between all parties is fundamental. Leonardo chose to leave because of the vicissitudes within the environment, but now he s calm and giving his all for this new adventure.
Bonucci s switch to San Siro has reinvigorated Milan – a sleeping giant in Italian football following years of mediocrity.
The veteran defender has been handed the captain s armband and great responsibility at Milan, who have not won the Scudetto since 2010-2011.
Bonucci as Milan captain? I won t hide it, I m not used to it yet and maybe he isn t either. He chose to come to Milan completely autonomously though, I just stood by him as a good wife has to do, she added.
At least there won t be a derby in the family any more [son Lorenzo, five, is a big fan of Torino and Andrea Belotti]. Sometimes Leonardo and Andrea meet in the centre of Turin.
Milan have won three of their opening four matches this season to sit fifth in the Serie A standings.
