Buffon: ‘Unlikely to play past 2018’

By Football Italia staff

Gianluigi Buffon says there’s “only a remote possibility” that he’ll play beyond the 2018 World Cup.

The Juventus and Italy goalkeeper plans to retire at the end of next season, following the World Cup in Russia when he’ll be 40.

“Let’s just say that’s the idea and I’m quite convinced of it,” Buffon told Mediaset.

“There’s only a remote possibility that I’ll play one more season, and it’s only me and the President [Andrea Agnelli] who know what that is, but it’s unlikely to come true.”

Buffon finished ninth in this year’s Ballon d’Or, and admits he’s honoured just to have made the top 10.

“It’s a beautiful thing. To finish in the top 10 at 39 is very pleasing, even if the one who really smiles is the person who wins [Cristiano Ronaldo] the rest of us participated.”

Gigi Donnarumma is seen as Buffon’s heir in the national team, would he recommend him to Juventus too?

“I’d recommend him to any team that needs a goalkeeper,” Buffon said.

“He’s outstanding, it’s impossible not to be struck by a player like that.”

Watch Serie A live in the UK on Premier Sports for just £9.99 per month including live LaLiga, Eredivisie, Scottish Cup Football and more. Visit: https://www.premiersports.com/subscribenow