By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Bonucci denies rift with Union Berlin

Veteran center-back Leonardo Bonucci has played down suggestions that he's growing frustrated with his minutes at Union Berlin.
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Photo: 1. FC Union Berlin
Leonardo Bonnuci has denied rumours of a rift with Union Berlin after being benched twice in a row.

Reports emerged on Tuesday that Bonucci had arranged a meeting with Union coach Urs Fischer to clarify his situation after being left out of the starting eleven against Napoli.

However, the 36-year-old has now taken to Instagram to insist that everything is fine between him and the club.

"Without being surprised anymore, I read once again made up stories about me. I have constructive daily discussions with the coach, I have been welcomed very well, and we definitely want to get out of this situation, especially for the fans, who are extraordinary in their closeness and dedication," Bonucci stated, referring to Union's losing streak of nine games.

"I have always respected the decisions of every coach, and it was the same yesterday. As I've had the chance to write in the past, in a team game, the "We" always comes before the "I".

The desire to play was undoubtedly very strong, but today the individual takes a backseat to the need to protect the team, because in the end, these biased news stories hurt the team and not me. To such unpleasant situations, I am, to say the least, accustomed. Think carefully before you speak, Eisern Union!"
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