The Juventus legend's inclusion has attracted criticism but he was bullish over his national team return for Friday's showdown with Argentina
Gianluigi Buffon has hit back at critics of his Italy return, pointing to his status as Juventus' first-choice keeper as proof he can still be of use for the national team.
Buffon is back with the Azzurri for friendlies against Argentina and England, having previously seemingly ended his international career following their shock failure to qualify for the World Cup in Russia.
Capped a record 175 times by Italy, Buffon's inclusion has attracted criticism but the Juventus captain was bullish over his return for Friday's showdown with Argentina in Manchester.
"I think everyone has figured out the situation and know the role I played," Buffon told reporters.
"I am welcoming, positive and think I have been very altruistic in my career, giving up on personal records for the good of the team.
"Once it was made clear that this would not be just a testimonial, because that would not have interested me, and that I'd be useful to the team… I came here with great enthusiasm.
"I may be 40 years old, but I am still the number one goalkeeper at Juventus.
"I don't know if the last match of my career will be for Italy or Juventus. I do know it'll be a calm and sober occasion. I entered into football on a Vespa, I'll leave it with only a company car."
AlexisZeerul
0
You're almost perfect but not against Real Madrid or [CR7]!
crazylandlord
2
uhh here we go again. That's what they allways say
JayCityLegend11
0
your getting it wrong he stepped down from the national team,but because they need leaders in the dressing room he was called back he wouldn't block the path of the next generation after all other great goalkeeper some retired in their mid 40's he is experienced
I never said he was blocking. Check the person I replied to.
Lordpizarro
0
Buffon should retired he can't win the champion league
MohammadHossam
0
Buffon is not concerned about his age
yuyaluz
0
Buffon massa retire and let the boys have their chance you are the cos of Italy not qualifying to the world cup u are old only cheap goals soooon
Barça_main_fan
0
I thought that he retired from international football.....is he back already?
NeyDozaa
0
It's something called love for the game. I don't support Juve at all, so dont call me bias. But if you are play for 30+ years and you fall on love with the game, you just dont want to go away from it. It has given you so many memories, and then for it to all go away? Also the champions league is a pretty big deal. It shows the biggest of European teams. Buffon just doesn't let go as easy as other because others think this is becoming a business and they start hating football. He simply loves Football, and he will retire eventually, his body won't let him stay forever. For now, enjoy the show.
your getting it wrong he stepped down from the national team,but because they need leaders in the dressing room he was called back he wouldn't block the path of the next generation after all other great goalkeeper some retired in their mid 40's he is experienced
Architect46
0
Age is just a number but Italians in all sports are still able to keep up with youngsters at an old age. For example the The Doctor, Valentino Rossi not MotoGP is still exceptional the same with Gianluigi Buffon. Italians are like last vintage wine, they seem to improve with age.
prakashcr7
3
Buffon u are always number 1.
Goalkeeper99
0
Retire at 50 mate
seun_victor
3
well said buffon I have heard of keepers keep till they are 45 and you are just 40 and still doing well in the post
Arjun1994
1
You're the inspiration to all footballers
Arjun1994
1
You truly are
kedaekms
2
He is Juve's weakest point. Someone please tell him.
tizakot
3
I dont see any problem for him playing the beautiful game. Remember national team players are being called up due to their perfomances at thier clubs so other goalkeepers need to perform and beat him so that they can claim his jersey. We don't have to push him to retire, as long as he still plays well let him play
Vodepr
0
You are over. You are costing Juve matches recently. You should retire now when people still respect you.
elcano
0
italy should form team around youngsters for next euro nd world cup .. chellieni nd buffon should be dropped .. they won't be there for next world cup .. italy needs to move on ..
zogemsitlhou
0
Keepers have the longest career span for a footballer. Buffon keep playing as long as you feel you are still productive. He can be a mentor and a guide to those coming up to replace him.
gonda8z
0
kkkk l love this guy. what can l say
Abdik
7
Buffon is a great Inspiration to all footballers. Massive respect 🙏.
ab12678
1
He still has great reflexes..no wonder he's still no.1 for club..we want you Buffon..keep playing..we'll back you no matter what
KSBARCA
0
Buffon is becoming annoying. ..what is so difficult in retiring and give others their shot at success; if not of greed. Italy failing to qualify for the world cup is not effort set back for him? why did he want to play in the world cup as if he has not won it already.what is this obsession about winning the Champions league when the world is far more superior? It is Allegri and Agnelli who have made you Juve number one...Szczesny is better this season.
MAN HE LOVES FOOTBALL MORE THAN ANYTHING AND CAN'T STAY WITHOUT THAT... I DIDN'T EXPECTED THIS TYPE OF STATEMENT FROM A JUVE FAN... I'M A BARCELONA FAN AND STILL HE IS MY FAVORITE
JayCityLegend11
37
Buffon is becoming annoying. ..what is so difficult in retiring and give others their shot at success; if not of greed. Italy failing to qualify for the world cup is not effort set back for him? why did he want to play in the world cup as if he has not won it already.what is this obsession about winning the Champions league when the world is far more superior? It is Allegri and Agnelli who have made you Juve number one...Szczesny is better this season.
It's something called love for the game. I don't support Juve at all, so dont call me bias. But if you are play for 30+ years and you fall on love with the game, you just dont want to go away from it. It has given you so many memories, and then for it to all go away? Also the champions league is a pretty big deal. It shows the biggest of European teams. Buffon just doesn't let go as easy as other because others think this is becoming a business and they start hating football. He simply loves Football, and he will retire eventually, his body won't let him stay forever. For now, enjoy the show.
Ciwbdmnors
1
that's it I just don't understand some of these old players just don't know when to quit and out here make a fool of himself smh I'm so happy I don't of to see him in the world cup tournament
10Mes10
1
legend forever
Glory222
1
age is just a number 😎😎
asch
3
Buffon is great. Good for Him, bad for other Goalkeeper, club & nation.
rindilmpz
3
Buffon is becoming annoying. ..what is so difficult in retiring and give others their shot at success; if not of greed. Italy failing to qualify for the world cup is not effort set back for him? why did he want to play in the world cup as if he has not won it already.what is this obsession about winning the Champions league when the world is far more superior? It is Allegri and Agnelli who have made you Juve number one...Szczesny is better this season.
Essimo Diabe Gonzalo
1
no your 47yra old
flash888
2
He's done enough, he should retire from international football and give others a chance to prove themselves.
pompoe
0
Well Buffon will still get italy call ups with such howlers from his supposed replacements
Footballlimr
0
Buffon is back only to say goodbye, has usually legend do, juts like Chiellini btw. The Italian federation wants to honour them for the last time.
Balemardid
0
His legacy will be destroyed just like Casillas
Derobect
0
I feel for Donnarumma I swear. + I suppose the guy can't complain or say anything since Buffon is a God in Italy...
Luclike
0
Buffon back to Italy national team. Dude is worse than African dictators...
Halloween
2
You know Italy ain’t going anywhere in the future when they still calls up Buffon and Chiellini
Garygroad
1
There are many other GKs coming up the ranks who are of equal if not better quality. Give the youth a chance, get into mentoring instead.
thelilthug
0
The best, Legend, no one can match his legacy!! The Greatest⭐ #LegendGigi #ForzaJuve❤
ChelseaQueen1
2
Buffon should be shown some respect by the Italians. He has served both his club and National team faithfully. #Respect the legend.
annorf
0
Of course there is no better keeper that is why you are still number 1 keep it 👆
anishupreti123
2
buffon and zlatan proved tht age is just a no. they both r legend
hailesol
0
Who is taking about messi here, just go straight to the point and stop winding
all the way [messi][messi][messi][messi][messi][messi]
annorf
2
“Messi is more complete, because he starts deeper, has more technical quality and a vision of the game that is worthy more of a trequartista than a finisher. Buffon
Who is taking about messi here, just go straight to the point and stop winding
mrtalkfcb
0
of;koz he's a great player,he has made history am happy for him
pesikmoru
0
true legend .roger mills proved he was good at forty .grand master of goalkeeping we love you
hailesol
3
“Messi is more complete, because he starts deeper, has more technical quality and a vision of the game that is worthy more of a trequartista than a finisher. Buffon