Buffon: Why I became a goalkeeper…

By Football Italia staff

Gianluigi Buffon has revealed the inspiration behind him becoming a goalkeeper – former Cameroon goalkeeper Thomas N’Kono.

Speaking to Marca for its Monday edition, Buffon explained how his life changed when he was just 12 years old, during the 1990 World Cup in his homeland.

“When I was little, there was someone mythical in my life: Thomas N’Kono, the Cameroon goalkeeper,” mused the Juventus and Italy veteran.

“I saw him play at the 1990 World Cup and, after Italy, Cameroon were the team of my heart.

“It was at the 1990 World Cup in Italy. I remember the day of the first match, it was Argentina-Cameroon.

“Cameroon won and, at that moment, I decided to become a goalkeeper.

“If you aren’t attentive against Spain, they'll hurt you a lot. Spain’s players change but not the philosophy.

“Juve? We could’ve coped better in the Final against [Real] Madrid.”

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