Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has revealed he's phoned the likes of Lilian Thuram and Kevin-Prince Boateng after his comments in the wake of the racist abuse aimed at teammate Moise Kean.

Mario Balotelli, Boateng and Thuram were all critical of Bonucci's reaction after Juve's win over Cagliari.

"Everyone was right to get annoyed," he admitted in an interview with Le Iene.

“Racism is a scandal and it mustn't exist in 2019. I'd say I was misunderstood.

“I apologise to those who have misunderstood me because my response wasn't exhaustive enough. Having said that, I'm against racism 100 percent.

“I heard the boos and the tools are there to go and get the guilty parties and punish them fully."

Asked about the criticism received by fellow players, he revealed he has reached out to some to apologise and clarify his comments.

“I've always loved Mario (Balotelli) and I always will," he continued.

“At that precise moment Boateng was right. I explained to him my desire that I was misinterpreted.

“I didn't justify racism, only that I would've preferred Moise to have celebrated with us.

“I repeat: they're all right. I love everyone, the same goes for Thuram. I also talked to him by phone.

“We talked to each other and I explained that I'd been misunderstood, but I'm 100% against racism. It should never be tolerated, on any occasion."