Brazilian defender Danilo has announced his departure from Juventus with an emotional farewell letter, expressing his deep affection for the club and its supporters. The 33-year-old has decided to terminate his contract, originally set to expire on 30 June and return to Brazil, where Flamengo is ready to welcome him.
“Dear Bianconeri, I don’t even know where to start. I knew this day would come sooner or later, but you’re never truly ready to say goodbye,” Danilo wrote in a heartfelt message shared on Instagram. “Five and a half years have passed, but for me, it feels like a lifetime.”
Danilo described his decision to leave as a difficult one, reflecting on the special bond he formed with Juventus, the city of Turin, and the values instilled in him by his parents.
“It’s never easy to part from a love and a place that has given me so much, from a jersey that brought me great emotions, in a club with a history that reinforced the values I have carried throughout my career,” he added. “I have learned from my teammates to defend these values with everything I have, lessons I have passed on to my children, who have made Turin their home.”
The former Juventus captain also took the opportunity to apologise to fans for any disappointments along the way, insisting it was never due to a lack of commitment or effort.
“I apologise if I ever disappointed you, but it was never for a lack of effort and hard work,” he wrote. “I am grateful from the bottom of my heart for the way you welcomed me and for the bond we have built. I was always moved when you sang the anthem at the stadium.”
Danilo departs Juventus after making 213 appearances and scoring nine goals, winning a Serie A title, two Coppa Italia trophies, and one Supercoppa Italiana. His return to Brazil marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career, following a challenging period under manager Thiago Motta.
Juventus Pay Tribute to Danilo: “An Example of Professionalism and Commitment”
Juventus have also paid tribute to Danilo in an official statement, confirming the mutual termination of his contract and praising his contribution to the club.
“Juventus Football Club S.p.A. announces that it has consensually terminated the contract with Danilo Luiz da Silva. This operation will have no economic impact on the 2024/2025 financial year, as the net book value of the player’s sporting rights to be recorded in the first half of the year, amounting to €2.5 million, will be offset by a lower amortisation of the same amount in the second half of the year,” the statement read.
In a heartfelt message on their official website, the club described Danilo as a model professional and a dedicated player who gave his all from his debut goal against Napoli on 31 August 2019, to his final appearance against Venezia on 14 December 2024.
“Danilo has always been an example of professionalism and commitment. We can only wish him the best: thank you for everything and good luck for the future!”
As Danilo prepares for his return to Brazil, Juventus fans will undoubtedly remember him as a player who embodied the club’s values and fought tirelessly for the black-and-white shirt.
