Buffon: ‘Aiming for 2018 World Cup’

By Football Italia staff

Gigi Buffon admits the 2018 World Cup is his “last objective” and praises his Milan namesake Donnarumma.

The Juventus captain is coming to the end of his career, and reflected with Gazzetta dello Sport, as well as looking to the future.

“My best memories?” Buffon considered.

“The great joy of debuting in Serie A, the fulfilment of a dream. Then, of course, winning the World Cup in 2006.

“Finally, the perseverance and determination which has allowed me to stay at the highest levels.

“My best Juventus team? I think [Marcello] Lippi’s in 2002-03 where we got to the Champions League final and lost on penalties. We had style and organisation.

“In terms of the squad, starters and backups, I’d say the two-year period with [Fabio] Capello.

“I wouldn’t leave out the character and consistency of recent seasons with [Antonio] Conte and [Massimiliano] Allegri.

“How do I want to go out? I want to leave head-on. That’s been the commitment of my life, being able to look whoever is in front of me straight in the eye.

“And I’ll go out with the right fanfare, not overdoing the celebrations. Being on the pitch at 40 and the next World Cup are my last objectives as a player.

“And after? The emotions that you go through on the pitch can’t be felt behind a desk or in an institutional role.

“However, if someone gave me the chance of having an influence - and of course I have ideas, though I wouldn’t ask for gifts from anyone - I think it would be very nice to bring something new thanks to the experience I’ve acquired from many years of a career at the highest levels.”

Many have tipped Milan’s 16-year-old ‘keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma as Buffon’s heir, and the veteran has nothing but praise for the rookie.

“He’s doing great things, if only because he’s not afraid or fazed to be playing in a great stadium like San Siro. The Milan shirt weighs on you.

“In addition to his personality and calmness, he has important technical skill and physical qualities. He’s reactive, solid.

“The thing I like most though, is that we’re talking about a good lad, very level-headed, which is the key thing for a good career.

“And I have to say well-done to the media, you’re helping him to grow gradually, without too much unnecessary pressure.

“I see intelligent, measured judgements, and that’s how it should be with the very young.”

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