Buffon: ‘Final year is motivating’

By Football Italia staff

Gianluigi Buffon says his final year in football is “electrifying”, and insists the Champions League “is not an obsession”.

The Juventus and Italy goalkeeper plans to hang up his gloves after the 2018 World Cup, so if he sticks to that plan this will be his final season.

“Yes, this year could be my final call and it’s really electrifying,” Buffon told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I’m trying to take in the special aspects of the thing, as with all experiences. When you go to a place and you think it’s the last time, you appreciate the beauty more and you want to crystallise the emotions it gives you forever.

“It will be special as a season, but I want to make it even more formidable by performing to the level of my name, to help Juve repeat the beautiful years we’re coming from.

“Now or never for the Champions League? No, the Champions League has always been a motivation to improve and enjoy some emotions, like facing certain players in certain stadiums.

“It doesn’t cause me anxiety though and it’s not an obsession. It’s never had a negative meaning for me, and it doesn’t now.

“Why did I use the conditional in speaking about my last season? Catchphrases have always got on my nerves and I don’t want to become one. So don’t ask me every three games.”

Wojciech Szczesny has been signed to eventually replace Buffon, is he up to the task?

“We have a good group of goalkeepers, including [Mattia] Del Favero and [Carlo] Pinsoglio. We all want to improve and learn.

“Last season Szczesny was the best goalkeeper in the League, Juventus did well in getting him because he’ll have a long future in Bianconero.

“I hope I can help him.”

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