Buffon will leave Turin this summer but he has not ruled out continuing his playing career elsewhere after a series of offers Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season.
Saturday’s Serie A home clash with Verona will, therefore, be his last for the Turin giants having helped them win the Scudetto and Coppa Italia this season.
@gianluigibuffon: “A big thank you to the president for his kind words. It’s a very emotional day for me and I’m here off the back of an extraordinary and wonderful journey, shared with people who have cared about me greatly. For that, I have always tried to do my best.”
@gianluigibuffon: “Saturday will be my final match for Juventus and to end this journey with two cups and with the president and the entire Bianconeri world by my side, will be very special.”
@gianluigibuffon: “I’m proud to have played to the best of my ability right up until now, with performances which befit both myself and this club. I make this decision in a calm and happy state of mind, which is not to be taken for granted for a sportsperson.”
@gianluigibuffon: “If I feel as strong as I do at the age of 40, that is all thanks to Juventus and the mentality here. My own philosophy is built around that of the club and I shall continue to live my life in that way, as that’s the only way I know to achieve results.”
@gianluigibuffon: “The most exciting proposal for my career off the pitch has come from the president. Next week, after a few days to reflect, I shall make up my mind and follow my best instincts.”
@gianluigibuffon: “I’m convinced that Juventus needs to plan for the future and, as someone who has spent many years as a player and several as club captain, I am the first to understand that.”
@gianluigibuffon: “If my future lies off the pitch, it will be necessary to undergo a training course in order to understand the right path to take and what role I could occupy.”
@gianluigibuffon: “I can confirm that I’ll be staying away from the national team. There are several young keepers who need to gain experience to grow.”
@gianluigibuffon: “If I decide to continue my on-pitch career, it will boil down to whether I still have the necessary drive and strength. It’s something that I’d need to think long and hard about. I don’t want to end up playing in lower leagues.”
@gianluigibuffon: “I’m proud to have received many proposals for the future, but it’s in my character to launch myself into the next challenge with the utmost dedication.”
@gianluigibuffon: “Juventus is a family for me and I am honoured to have been a part of it. The club is planning for a victorious future. If one day I am considered someone who can help the cause, Juventus will take priority for me.”
@gianluigibuffon: “I want to enjoy Saturday just like all other title celebrations. I’ve seen plenty of them down the years, so all that I ask for is your respect and affection towards me on the day.”
@gianluigibuffon: “To think that a winning cycle would finish on Saturday would be very serious indeed, but it won’t. The essential common denominator to this club’s success is the Agnelli family.”
@gianluigibuffon: “I shall always be grateful to Juventus.”
