The ex-Juve skipper was wanted by Antonio Conte at table-topping Napoli last month, but the 33-year-old has instead opted to return to his native country to wind down his impressive career.
He’s been rapidly replaced, with Renato Veiga joining on loan until the summer from Chelsea.
Danilo’s five-and-a-half stint, amassing over 200 appearances, was due to come crashing down after being frozen out by head coach Thiago Motta. The Bianconeri informed Danilo and his agents that he was surplus to requirements, despite the array of injuries, last month.
It was a ticking time bomb, as he only made half-a-dozen Serie A starts this season. Danilo last featured in the Juventus matchday squad in late December’s stalemate with Fiorentina, but even then he simply warmed the bench.
Danilo is the current Brazil captain, and he became the first non-Italian Juventus skipper for six decades when he sported the leader’s armband for the 2023/24 campaign.
Juventus posted a statement that read: “Danilo has always been an example of professionalism and commitment, from his debut with a goal against Napoli on 31 August 2019, until his last match played in black and white, against Venezia, on 14 December 2024.
“A champion to whom we can only wish the best: thanks for everything and good luck for the future!”
Danilo, who favoured playing at center-back but sits comfortably at left-back and right-back, won the Serie A 2020 title. He was instantly replaced in Turin by Veiga. The loan deal for the Portugal international does not include an obligation to buy in the summer.
Motta was especially keen to bring in defenders during the January transfer window, particularly with centre-back Gleison Bremer and left-back Juan Cabal sidelined because of injury.
The arrival of Veiga isn’t likely to transform their season, which has been iffy to say the least. Motta has created the Bianconeri into draw specialists this term, they lie fifth in Serie A despite suffering only one defeat.
Juventus’ Champions League has been poor, stuttering overall in the initial league phase after seven of their eight contests. They will tackle Portuguese giants Benfica on Wednesday, aiming to pick up maximum points to propel them up from 17th place in a bid to book their progress in the lucrative Champions League.