Serie A: Brazilian defender leaves Juventus after 5 years

Brazilian defender Danilo departed Juventus on Monday after both the player and the Serie A club confirmed the mutual termination of his contract.

“Danilo Luiz da Silva and Juventus have parted ways after five and a half years together, following a mutual termination of the player’s contract,” Juventus said in a statement.

The 33-year-old leaves Juventus with an impressive record of one Serie A title, two Italian Cups, and one Italian Super Cup, amassed over 213 appearances with the Turin club.

Italian media reports suggest Danilo, whose contract was set to expire at the end of the season, is set to return home to Brazil on a two-year deal with Flamengo.

“I knew this day would come sooner or later, but you’re never ready to say goodbye,” Danilo wrote in a heartfelt message on Instagram.

The defender’s exit follows his fall from favour after the arrival of coach Thiago Motta in the summer and his replacement as captain by Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli.

In related developments, Portugal defender Renato Veiga arrived in Turin on Monday for his medical ahead of a loan move from Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Danilo’s compatriot and fellow Brazil defender Gleison Bremer has been ruled out for the season with a knee injury.

Juventus currently sit fifth in Serie A, two points away from a Champions League qualification spot, and are set to face Benfica in Europe’s premier club competition on Wednesday.

AFP