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Juventus' Leonardo Bonucci: The Premier League 'fascinates' me

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has hinted that he is open to a move to the Premier League by telling So Foot that the division "fascinates" him.

Bonucci, 29, has been linked with move to England this summer, with both Chelsea and Manchester City reportedly interested in the Italy international.

"It fascinates me," Bonucci said of the Premier League. "When I can, I watch English games, and not only for the quality of the players on display. I'm hot-headed, and I love the passion that exudes from their packed stands. It's for that kind of thing that I'm the first on the training pitch and the last to return to the changing room."

City were reportedly hoping to sign Bonucci last summer, with their manager Pep Guardiola having described the defender as "one of my favourite ever players" while in charge of Bayern Munich.

"When the best manager in the world says you're one of his favourite players, you act like it's nothing, but you still can't help but have a smile on your lips," Bonucci said. "This praise only confirms my important progress. It's always nice."

Bonucci and Juventus are on the verge of a place in the Champions League semifinals after defeating Barcelona 3-0 in the first leg of their quarterfinal tie on Tuesday.

Bonucci says it is a major ambition to win the competition, having finished as a runner-up in 2015, but he feels fortune must be on Juve's side if they are to be successful this season.

"To win, you have to have a little bit of luck, which we lacked last year a bit against Bayern," he said. "I don't know if Juventus will win the Champions League this year. All I know is that we have a great team and we want to show that on the pitch.

Asked what Juve are lacking as they seek to become European champions, he said: "A little bit of understanding between the players. This season, the squad has changed a lot, and we have to get to know each other more. I'm sure that with time we'll have great satisfaction."

ESPN FC's France correspondent Ian Holyman contributed to this report.

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