Buffon: ‘If Juventus still want me…’

By Football Italia staff

Gianluigi Buffon hints he could play on next season, but it won’t be for another club - “it’s Juventus or nothing”.

The goalkeeper turns 40 on Sunday, and is expected to retire at the end of the current campaign but the decision does not appear to be set in stone.

“I’ll meet President [Andrea] Agnelli soon and we’ll talk about it,” Buffon told La Repubblica.

“I want what’s best for the team, to understand what kind of clothes I can wear, whether Juventus think I can still be important.

“I’d like it, but the best solution has to be found with the club, building together - if possible - a logical and shared path.

“Of course, I don’t want to become a problem for Juventus or my teammates.

“Would I rotate with Szczesny? I’ve always given space to others and I’m happy for Tek. He’s a great goalkeeper, and if we win the Scudetto a large part of the credit will be his. He’ll be the future.

“Could I go somewhere else if I’m not offered a new contract? It’s Juve or nothing.”

Buffon was then reminded of the criticism Dino Zoff received after his 40th birthday, and asked how time affects the reactions and reflexes of a goalkeeper.

“It’s a subject which makes me embarrassed and uncomfortable. I don’t want to be an old man who lies to himself, clinging on with his fingernails and his teeth to his legacy.

“This season I had an imperfection against Atalanta and an error on a free-kick against Spain.

“I’ve played games as a phenomenon, some normal, some maybe modest, but FIFA awarded me the Best Goalkeeper in 2017.

“I feel like I did six years ago, I don’t ask my Coaches for judgement, they judge me on the pitch every day.”

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