TURIN: Gianluigi Buffon has confirmed he will end his 17-year career with Italian champions Juventus at the season’s end – but not necessarily retire from playing altogether.
Buffon, 40, has played 639 games in Serie A, more than any other goalkeeper. He joined Juve for a then world record £35m in 2001, winning numerous domestic trophies with the club alongside the World Cup with Italy in 2006.
The one honours gap in his cv was that he never won the Champions League. His last hope ended in acrimony when Juventus lost to Real Madrid in this season’s quarter-finals.
He said: “It’s a very emotional day for me and I’m here off the back of an extraordinary and wonderful journey, shared with people who have cared about me greatly. For that, I have always tried to do my best.
“Saturday will be my final match for Juventus and to end this journey with two cups and with the president and the entire Bianconeri world by my side, will be very special.
“I’m proud to have played to the best of my ability right up until now, with performances which befit both myself and this club. I make this decision in a calm and happy state of mind, which is not to be taken for granted for a sportsperson.
“If I feel as strong as I do at the age of 40, that is all thanks to Juventus and the mentality here. My own philosophy is built around that of the club and I shall continue to live my life in that way, as that’s the only way I know to achieve results.
“The most exciting proposal for my career off the pitch has come from the president. Next week, after a few days to reflect, I shall make up my mind and follow my best instincts.”
Juventus president Andrea Agnelli said the club would not be buying an instant replacement.
Agnelli said: “What we now know is that Wojciech Szczesny will be defending our goal next season.”
Buffon left open the option of a move abroad, possibly to Major League Soccer in the United States.
He said: “If I decide to continue it will come down to whether I feel I still have the necessary drive and strength. It’s something that I’d need to think long and hard about. I don’t want to end up playing in lower leagues.”
###################