Former Italy and Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has ended his glittering 19-year career.
The 37-year-old won Euro 2020 as a member of Roberto Mancini's squad, scoring in the final at Wembley Stadium, and won eight Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia crowns, and five Italian Super Cups in two periods with Juventus.
There are footballers who leave the international stage with a farewell ceremony, a packed stadium, an emotional speech and a final lap around the pitch. Then there is N’Golo Kanté. His departure from France duty has arrived in a manner that feels entirely consistent with the midfielder himself: quietly, humbly and without demanding attention. No dramatic announcement has overshadowed the moment. No prolonged goodbye has been built around his name. Instead, one of the most influential midfielders of his generation appears to have stepped away almost as silently as he once entered the French national team. That silence is strangely appropriate. Kanté never played football as a performer searching for applause. He played as a servant of the team, the player who appeared wherever danger existed and disappeared into the collective structure once the danger had passed. His greatest contribution was often found in the moments that never became highlights: a passing lane closed before it open...

Comments
Post a Comment