BREAKING: Juventus captain Buffon confirms he will leave the club at the end of the season after 655 appearances in a 17-year spell.
The Italian was the world's most expensive shot-stopper when joining from Parma in 2001 and he has captained the Old Lady for the past eight seasons, lifting the Serie A title every year since 2011/12.
"Saturday will be my last game at Juventus and will finish my adventure," he told the assembled press, adding that he won't be moving to a different club in Italy next season.
"So, with two cups, with Andrea [Agnelli, Juve president], and all the people of the Bianconeri, it will be the most beautiful thing.
"For now I only know that I will play a game on Saturday. Until a few days ago it was certain that I would stop playing. Interesting proposals have now arrived.
"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.
"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."
Continuing as his club and country's No. 1 into his forties, Buffon expressed his pride at remaining at the top of his game for so long.
"A great gratification, given by the feeling of this closeness to the club, my companions, and the people who are around me," was how he described his emotional state. "Of the future, I'm not afraid, I'm a little unconscious.
"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.
"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."
Agnelli also spoke to confirm Wojciech Szczesny's promotion to become Juve's first-choice goalkeeper next campaign, paying tribute to Buffon's career in Turin.
"He knows that he has my full support for the future. I wish for him to enjoy Saturday at Allianz Stadium," said the president.
"I'd just like to say a massive thank you to Gigi."
Madrid-Ronaldo7
220
he taughts us age is not problem
Jeremye
178
You've achieved a lot! One of the greatest goalkeepers in the football history.
minilprtu
127
If you're really leaving Juve, it's more honorable to hangup, unless if there's lucrative offers from MLS, China, Japan or Arab League. I'm wishing you all the best. I'm a Madrid fan, but accept my guard of honour.
Bazdenryz
99
OLD MAN about to separate from an OLD and successful RELATIONSHIP and with an OLD LADY. thanks and good luck, Buffon.
fatwill
84
BUFFON DESERVES A RETIREMENT AT JUVENTUS ! 😭
He could have done that 8 years back, not funny at all.
Koppppp
70
Most claim that Lev Yahin was the greatest goalkeeper of all time but nowadays videos of him are so rare and so hard to get them. So I would say the greatest goalie of modern soccer is Buffon
99abbod
64
Let’s not cry BROS ✊✊✊😔 Thank you GEGE
yinwowo
64
Still remember when you were a young talent. Best wishes to you, GIGI.
stainless0025
51
we want to see u at Anfield so that Toddlers like Rashford will force u to hang up your gloves
Amanda-
42
The real Superman : legendary GiGi Buffon
UtkarshK14
34
This year is a sad year for all the football fans.first Iniesta,Carrick retires,David Astori died and npw buffon is leaving without even playing the world cup.well obviously he can't play because italy isn't qualified.