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Bonucci reveals how Mourinho deal with Roma fell through over fan reaction
·22 July 2026·92d ago

Bonucci reveals how Mourinho deal with Roma fell through over fan reaction

Source: Il Romanista

Leonardo Bonucci has disclosed a transfer saga from José Mourinho's time at Roma, revealing he came close to joining the club. Speaking on Amazon Prime Video's 'Fenomeni' format, the defender explained that Mourinho called him repeatedly and told him: "Train well because on 3 January we play Cremonese and you'll play straight away." Bonucci said he agreed to the move, planning to join after a few days' rest during the German winter break and resuming work once the transfer window opened. An agreement was reached around 23 December, but the Christmas period disrupted negotiations.

The turning point came when Roma supporters began debating Bonucci's potential arrival, which became a focal point of discussion in the city. Bonucci revealed that Mourinho believed Roma's supporters would lobby the club to renew the manager's contract based on the positive reaction to the signing, and the coach seized that opportunity. However, Mourinho then changed his mind without calling Bonucci to explain. "I was a bit upset about that," Bonucci admitted.

Bonucci later saw Mourinho in Istanbul and thanked him, as he eventually joined Fenerbahçe where he felt content and met wonderful people.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

“Protagonista del format "Fenomeni" di Amazon Prime Video, curato da Luca Toni, Leonardo Bonucci ha svelato il retroscena di calciomercato ai tempi di José Mourinho alla Roma. Il difensore era stato a un passo dal club giallorosso: "Sì, mi ha chiamato più di una volta. Mi aveva anche detto 'allenati…”

Read the full article in Italian at Il Romanista.

Read original on Il Romanista →

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