Buffon bids farewell to the club he’s been associated with for two decades
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 11.05.21. | 15:50
One of the best goalkeepers in the history of the game will leave his beloved Juventus at the end of the season
Legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has revealed that he will depart Juventus at the end of the season. For the best part of the season, his future has been in doubt as he struggled to hold down a starting eleven spot in what is his 19th season in Turin. Although there were rumours going of a possible extension, Buffon has now publicly announced that he will reach the end of his career for the Bianconeri.
"My future is clear and defined. This beautiful and very long experience with Juventus will come to a definitive end this year. I feel I gave everything for Juve. I have received everything and more than this cannot be done. We have reached the end of a cycle and it’s right for one to remove the disturbance."
Gianluigi Buffon has announced he will leave Juventus when his contract ends at the end of the season.
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 11, 2021
He’s made 683 appearances and won 21 trophies with the club ???? pic.twitter.com/4Ikctvwutl
The 43-year-old returned to Turin in July 2019 after one year with Paris Saint-Germain, but his contract expires in June and the World Cup winner feels it’s time to part ways with the Old Lady. Buffon kept three clean sheets in seven Serie A games this term and helped the Bianconeri to the Coppa Italia Final, which seems set to be his last match with the club on May 19.
Juventus fight for a place in the Champions League, as they sit fifth in Serie A, one point behind Napoli at fourth. It’s been a poor season for the team that’s racked up nine Serie A titles in a row.
"We lacked continuity. In the end, in the games we played against the top five, six teams, we often won. We drew sometimes and lost some. But it has always been even games. Instead, we lost stupid points against the lesser teams. This means you are a team that has yet to grow in character."
Here's a 19-year-old Gianluigi Buffon making his debut for Italy vs Russia in 1997. pic.twitter.com/89kQ42t1QB
— 90s Football (@90sfootball) November 13, 2017
Although his departure from Juventus is now certain, the 43-year-old custodian hasn’t yet decided on whether his career will continue.
"Either I stop playing, or if I find a situation that motivates me to play or have a different life experience. I will consider everything."
Whatever his decision may be, Gianluigi Buffon will forever be regarded as the best goalkeeper Juventus have ever had. What's more, he may just be the best goalkeeper ever.
