Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has signed a new contract until 2020.
Bonucci, 28, follows Gianluigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini, who extended their contracts in November, and Claudio Marchisio, who extended his deal earlier this month, in committing his future to the Italian champions, who go in pursuit of a fifth straight Scudetto this season.
The new contract agreement was announced on Juventus.com and their official Twitter channel.
#Bonucci2020 pic.twitter.com/GBQB5tzJMY
- JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) July 28, 2015
"Leo's is a story of a footballer who never stopped improving year on year," a tribute on the Serie A club's official website read. "The story of an exemplary perfectionist who has gone through a constant sporting and human evolution, culminating in a monstrous season just ended in terms of minutes played (4695 in all competitions -- more than any other player in Serie A) and his performances. Always at excellent levels.
"With character by the bucketload and good feet -- in fact excellent feet -- Mother Nature gifted him with the virtue of intuition: anticipation and the right geometry of the game, without rebuking, at times, some enormously important goals."
Agnelli, @bonucci_leo19 and Marotta pose with the black and white stripes. #Bonucci2020 pic.twitter.com/LsAGKV7wNY
- JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) July 28, 2015
Bonucci has been a cornerstone of the Juve defence since arriving from Bari in 2010, making a total of 225 appearances for the Bianconeri and scoring 14 goals.
"It's the start of a new era," he said at a news conference in Turin on Tuesday. "I'm here to offer my years of experience to help those who have joined the club.
"We've maintained our strong spine. This is vital for us to build on and go in search of further successes.
"Juventus have a long-term plan. We're seeing a new generation coming through with quality young players.
"Winning a fifth Scudetto in a row will be tough but we've got the right motivation to tackle this challenge."
He added: "I was delighted when Juve came calling in 2010, just as I am now. It's down to us to begin an even more successful era."