GIANLUIGI BUFFON could extend his career yet again this summer – but will finally hang up his gloves by 2023.
The Italian goalkeeper, who boasts a World Cup, ten Serie A titles and a host of other trophies and records from a long playing career, turned 43 in January.
Gianluigi Buffon has opened the door to playing until he is 45Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Yet he continues to be a part of a Juventus side challenging on multiple fronts, coached by old team-mate Andrea Pirlo.
In ten appearances this season, the veteran has kept six clean sheets including a 3-0 romp past Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the Champions League group stage.
Buffon’s contract expires at the end of the campaign but the prospect of a new deal is on the horizon.
The keeper told the Guardian: “I’ve learned nothing is certain in life.”
He added: “Look, in my head, there truly is a final stop sign.
“A maximum bar, which is June 2023, that is the maximum, really, really the maximum.
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You never know, maybe there’s a reason, something I’m meant to go back there for. One last great story to write.
Gianluigi Buffon
“But I could also stop playing in four months.”
Enjoying his second season in his second spell at Juve, Buffon had announced his retirement in 2017 – only to sign for Paris Saint-Germain.
After lifting the Ligue 1 title, he made another surprise move by returning to Turin in a playing capacity.
Should the legend reach the end of the 2022-23 season at the age of 45, he will have mastered a stunning 28-year career in the game.
And Buffon has maintained his confidence in his abilities and added that he still may have ‘one last story to write’.
He noted: “They say that when you reach my age, the decline happens all at once – from one moment to the next.
Buffon began his career with Parma some 25 years agoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The goalkeeper famously helped Italy to their 2006 World Cup triumphCredit: Getty – Contributor
“I don’t believe this. I feel what I feel, and the sensations I have within myself don’t make me think there is going to be some sudden collapse.
“I am also someone who believes very strongly in fate, in destiny. When Juventus offered me the chance to come back, I thought, ‘Madonna!’.
“You never know, maybe there’s a reason, something I’m meant to go back there for. One last great story to write.
“So I have to be honest, there is also a part of this that comes down to that bit of ego all of us have.”
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Gianluigi Buffon ‘demands at least eight Serie A games’ in Juventus contract clause as he hopes to overtake Maldini at top of all-time appearance list
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
