Turin: Juventus (also known as Old Lady) goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon announced Thursday that he will leave the Turin giants after 17 years but did not, as expected, declare the end of his playing career.
Buffon, 40, captained Juventus to a seventh straight Serie A title and fourth consecutive Italian Cup triumph this season.
“To end this adventure with two new victories was important,” the Italian told a press conference at the Allianz Stadium here. “Saturday will be my final match with Juventus.” The game against Verona will mark Buffon’s 640th Serie A appearance.
Buffon said he would like to take more time to reflect on his future which could be either on or off the pitch.
“What am I going to do? Saturday, I’m playing a match and it’s the only thing that’s certain,” Gigi, as he is popularly known said with a smile.
“Until 15 days ago, I was sure to stop playing, but I received some exciting proposals, both on and off the pitch. Off the pitch the most interesting was made to me by (Juventus) president (Andrea) Agnelli. But I will not disclose it. Next week, after a few days of calm reflection, I will make a definite and certain decision,” added Buffon.
According to the Italian press, Buffon has received offers from top European clubs including Liverpool, Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain.
Statfacts
640 – No. of Serie A appearances for Juve
974 – No. of minutes without conceding a goal
300 – No. of clean sheets in Juve colours
176 – No. of times in Italian jersey