Retirement edges closer for Buffon as Italian set to leave Juventus

Buffon never imagined…

The career of legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon seems to have continued on indefinitely. Now 43, still with Juventus, despite a brief hiatus in Paris, his minutes have continued to shrink and errors become more frequent.

Speaking earlier this year, Buffon opened up about the mistakes associated with the latter part of his playing days.

“It’s important to get things wrong in life. And it’s even more important to pay for your mistakes. If you don’t pay the duty, that duty will still be owed to the end. Feeling embarrassment is an essential part of growth. It makes you feel bad, it makes you reflect, it makes you look at the nuances of a situation,” he said.

CARDIFF, WALES – JUNE 03: Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus walks past the Champions League trophy after the UEFA Champions League Final between Juventus and Real Madrid at National Stadium of Wales on June 3, 2017 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

“When I mess up in a game, honestly, I feel so uncomfortable. Just totally distraught. I am used to expecting the maximum from myself, so if I can’t do things perfectly I feel this huge embarrassment.”

When asked about the length of time his playing career has extended to, he said that he was surprised to still be playing into his 40s.

“Truthfully, I never imagined I would play on for this long. But these are beautiful stories, I think.”

Retirement draws close

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport Buffon is drawing closer to retirement.

The Italian press also scuppered hope of a final return to Parma, the club where Buffon made his name and was signed from by Juventus.

With his contract expiring, there were suggestions that the Italian international and World Cup winner might look for one more high-profile move before hanging up his gloves, however, it is now unlikely this will happen.

With clubs across Europe at the highest level all seemingly set with their options, Buffon could see his season end without the coveted Champions League medal. Juve were knocked out by Porto this year with Wojciech Szczesny making a goalkeeping blunder in extra time.

Buffon has come runner up in 02/03, 14/15 and 16/17.

If it is the end of the illustrious career, Buffon has plenty to look back on with pride.

Man United looking to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma on a free & four more areas being targeted by the Reds

Juventus tipped to swoop for van de Beek/Cristiano Ronaldo set to miss Benevento clash

from Football (soccer) greatest goals and highlights | 101 Great Goals - Feed https://ift.tt/3tZqrID
via IFTTT