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Leonardo Spinazzola says he wants to leave Atalanta early for Juventus return

Italy international Leonardo Spinazzola has expressed his desire to leave Atalanta and return to Juventus.

The 24-year-old wing-back moved to the Bergamo outfit from Juve on a two-year loan deal last summer.

Spinazzola enjoyed an impressive 2016-17 season, which saw him make his senior international debut as well as help Atalanta to a fourth-placed finish in Serie A.

And Juventus' chief executive Giuseppe Moratta was quoted by Italian media earlier this month as saying the club had made an enquiry about bringing the player back to Turin a year early, which was rejected.

On Monday, a message from Spinazzola -- who has not been involved in either of Atalanta's opening two Serie A games this term -- appeared on his Instagram page, which said: "I'm sorry.

"I'm sorry if anyone was offended, because those who know me know who I am and with what values.

"Returning to Juventus at 24 is the achievement of a dream fought, searched for and finally realised after years of loans and sacrifice.

"Bergamo, Atalanta and the fans, the Percassi family [Atalanta's owners], Mister Gasperini [boss Gian Piero Gasperini] and every single player and staff member have been fundamental to me so that this dream in front of me could finally be realised, and I will always thank them.

"Bergamo welcomed me, matured me, supported me and helped me.

"I am and will always be grateful to Atalanta, whether I remain or do not remain a Nerazzurri player, because I'm a professional and happy to wear these colours in which we did great things last season, and whatever happens will be.

"But do not ask me to stop dreaming. Because there are trains that maybe pass once in life and I will do anything to get it, always with Atalanta in my heart."