Union Berlin's Ruhnert praises want-away Bonucci

Union Berlin managing director Oliver Ruhnert has praised defender Leonardo Bonucci despite a modest season at the Bundesliga club and amid speculation that the Italian veteran will leave during this month's transfer window.

Union raised eyebrows when they signed the Euro 2021 winner from Juventus in summer after finishing fourth in the Bundesliga and qualifying for the Champions League.

Bonucci, 36, failed to become a regular starter and featured in only 10 games in a season where Union are struggling in 15th place in the league and failed to register a victory in Europe.

"He is a very positive person, he has a really good character. I have rarely seen players with such merits who have integrated so well and behaved in such a great way as he has," Ruhnert told Wednesday's edition of Sport Bild magazine.

Bonucci has now been linked with a return to Italy but also with a move to Turkish club Fenerbahce, and Ruhnert suggested that the club won't stand in his way if he wants to leave.

"As open as he has always been with us, we will also deal with him in this matter," Ruhnert said.