Gianluigi Buffon

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: ‘I am not a legend’

Dec 11, 2014

Italy and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon looks back on his career, but shies away from the tag of ‘legend’.

Buffon earned the nickname ‘Superman’ over a career that has so far spanned two decades with Parma, Juventus and the Italian national team.

In an interview with Spanish outlet AS, the veteran contemplated his remarkable career and noted how he feels he has changed over time.

“It's been a beautiful journey,” said the Italian international. “I have changed very much.

“At first I was a boy with all the virtues and the shortcomings of boys. Now I am an adult, I'm more mature and reflexive, and I hope not to make certain errors.

“Aside from all that, my characteristics as a goalkeeper have changed.

“I have improved in many things through hard work and experience, and perhaps I am a bit more of a defensive goalkeeper, because when you're a lad you have those physical superpowers and that exuberance that dwindles away over time.”

Buffon is one of the most famous names in Italian football, but he said he dislikes being called a legend.

“No, no, legends seem to have something that isn't very human and I don't like them.

“I am an athlete with soul, with heart, for the good and for the bad, that's for others to judge.

“I consider myself a footballer who marked a part of the history of the sport in Italy, in Europe and in the world.

“But you turn into a legend when you die. I hope that's in the very distant future!”

Buffon is one of the oldest active players in Serie A and has signed a new contract with Juve to take him beyond his 39th birthday.

However, the current 36-year-old doubts that in Italy veterans are given more consideration than elsewhere.

“You earn respect with your performances. It's not like the club has any kind of debt with me, because when you play you get paid in money, you get people who idolise you, you can work and take care of yourself in the best possible way.

“It's an equal exchange. We shouldn't ask more of the club. They extended my contract, I believe, because I proved on the pitch that I was worth it.”

The Italian international also explained how the goalkeeper's position has changed over the last 20 years.

“Now there is a tendency to play more with the team, to play with your feet, to kickstart play, to always take part in things.

“But I never had a problem with this because even at the beginning with Parma, in the youth team, with [Alberto] Malesani, I played as a libero.

“Some time ago it seemed strange to see a goalkeeper playing out of the box and taking part in the action the way that I did.

“Now it's what everyone looks for. I prefer it, it helps me to keep a high level of concentration.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: I'd be p***** off if I were Casillas

The Italian feels for his opposite number at Real Madrid following the rotation
policy over the last two seasons and the criticism he has faced in recent months.

Dec 11, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon claims he would be "p***** off" if subjected to the same situation as Real Madrid No.1 Iker Casillas has been over the past two years.

The veteran Spain international lost his place as first-choice goalkeeper in La Liga to Diego Lopez but found himself reinstated following the departure of Lopez to AC Milan in the summer.

However, there have been calls from Real Madrid fans and much of the media for summer signing Keylor Navas - who was excellent for Levante in 2013-14 and for Costa Rica at the World Cup - to take Casillas' place between the sticks.

Barcelona have also rotated their goalkeepers this season, with Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen utilised at different times, but Buffon does not believe such a policy is effective.

"Everyone is different, but I think Casillas' situation would have been p***** me off," the Juventus veteran told AS. "I do not know if I agree with the swapping around of Diego Lopez and Casillas. I would have felt penalised, if that was me.

"When I'm fit I prefer to play every game, because I still feel strong. Of course, if the results give the coach a reason to change things up then that's normal. However, a team of Real Madrid's calibre can play 60 games a year, it can be a problem if you're resting too often.

"I was very surprised with Casillas' situation. A goalkeeper is not infallible - he can make mistakes just like he can pull off amazing saves. When it comes to playing for teams like Madrid or Juventus, the criticism becomes even more fierce. It can destabilise you and cause you to lose your security as No.1."

Buffon also admitted that he harboured dreams of playing for the Santiago Bernabeu side as a youngster, along with a host of other European giants.

"It's true that when you're a kid you dream of playing for all the big teams," he added. "The best known, the most traditional, where you'd earn the most.

"Therefore I dreamed of playing for Juve, AC Milan, Inter, Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool."

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: ‘Beautiful and exciting test’

Dec 15, 2014

Gigi Buffon looks forward to Juventus' Champions League tie with Dortmund, calling it ‘a beautiful and exciting test'.

The Bianconeri will welcome BVB to Turin on February 24 in the Last 16 of the competition before travelling to Germany on March 18 for the return leg.

Goalkeeper Buffon is looking forward to the match, and visting the Westfalenstadion Stadion.

“I’m happy, in the sense that they were one of the teams we were hoping to meet,” the World Cup winner reflected in an interview with Sky.

“Not because they’re a team which is inferior to the others, but because it represents a test to see how far we can go and where we can improve.

“It’s a beautiful and exciting test.

“We’ll play in a fantastic stadium, and to get to Berlin [for the final] we’ll have to go to Dortmund as has happened in the past.

“In the Champions League teams are transformed, and perform better than in the league, probably because of the added stimulus this competition gives you as a player.

“[Ex-Juventus player] Ciro Immobile gave us trouble when he was at Toro, and he can do the same for Borussia.

“It [the draw] could have been better, but it could also have been a lot worse.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon Goalkeeper of the Year

Dec 16, 2014

Gigi Buffon was voted Best Goalkeeper of 2014 in the Gran Gala del Calcio. “The Champions League draw could’ve been worse.”

The Juventus shot-stopper won the award ahead of Inter’s Samir Handanovic and former Napoli man Pepe Reina, as voted by the AIC – the Italian Players’ Association.

“Retirement? When the moment comes, and it hasn’t yet, I will be the first to acknowledge it,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

Buffon was also asked about the Champions League draw, which has put Juve against Borussia Dortmund.

“It’s an honest draw. It could’ve gone better, it could’ve also gone worse. The challenge with Borussia will tell us who we are and at what level we are right now. It’s something we all care about very much.

“We will face this test with great determination.”

[Socrates 8386]

Supercoppa defeat will spur Juventus on, insists Buffon

The veteran goalkeeper says his side can still be proud of their efforts in 2014
and believes their shootout defeat on Monday will see them strive to do better.

Dec 23, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon believes Juventus' Supercoppa Italiana defeat to Napoli will spur the team on to greater heights in 2015.

Rafa Benitez's side triumphed 6-5 on penalties after a 2-2 draw with the Serie A champions, with Simone Padoin seeing his decisive spot kick saved despite Buffon having kept out three of the Partenopei's efforts beforehand.

The veteran goalkeeper says Massimiliano Allegri's men can remain happy with their efforts over the past 12 months despite the disappointing end to the year, and is confident the defeat in Doha will serve them well in the hunt for more success.

"Congratulations to Napoli, but for Juventus, second place in a competition like this is a defeat," the 36-year-old was quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport.

"The year has been very positive, with a lot of satisfaction. But we've ended it like this.

"Although we haven't lifted the trophy we wanted to win, the match in Doha will give us a lot more anger and determination if the same opportunity presents itself in future."

Juventus resume domestic action against Inter on January 6 following the winter break.

[Socrates 8386]

Juventus must mature, says Buffon

The experienced goalkeeper was unable to hide his disappointment
with the Scudetto holders' draw against Inter on Tuesday.

Jan 7, 2015

Gianluigi Buffon has voiced his frustration with Juventus' 1-1 Serie A draw versus Inter on Tuesday and feels the reigning Italian champions must mature if they aim to win silverware this term.

The Turin giants were in fine form in the opening 45 minutes of the Derby d'Italia, but failed to extend their lead after Carlos Tevez' opening goal early on.

They were made to pay for their profligacy in the second half, with Mauro Icardi restoring parity in the 64th minute, and Buffon was unable to hide his disappointment with the result.

"It was the same story against Sampdoria, Torino and Napoli. We need to mature if we're going to be where it counts, particularly in the Champions League," Buffon told reporters.

"There are moments in games when we dominate proceedings and create a high number of chances. But until we get that all-important second goal, it's vital to remain on guard, especially against a side like Inter.

"We all knew that this was another golden opportunity to extend our lead at the top. But we didn't take it and we're disappointed."

Juventus remain top of the Serie A table with 40 points from 17 games, holding a one-point lead over second-placed Roma.

[Socrates 8386]

Podolski: It’s Always A Pleasure
To Play Against The Great Buffon!

Jan 7, 2015

Inter’s new loan signing Lukas Podolski has revealed he enjoyed playing against ‘old friend’ Gianluigi Buffon during his Serie A debut against Juventus on Tuesday.

The Nerazzurri fought back from a goal down to secure a point against the Old Lady as Mauro Icardi levelled after Carlos Tevez had given the hosts an early lead.

Podolski posted on his official Instagram page on Wednesday afternoon following the Nerazzurri’s 1-1 draw with Juventus in Turin, referring to his admiration for Buffon since the pair met at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

“As a player you always want to test yourself against the best, it’s always a pleasure to play against the great Buffon! A great guy & friend since ’06.

The 29-year-old Germany international completed his loan deal from Arsenal on Monday and will remain with the Biscione until the end of the season.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: Juventus Want Coppa Italia Success

Jan 16, 2015

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon insists he and his Bianconeri teammates are hungry for success on all fronts, including the Coppa Italia.

The 36-year-old Italian international spoke following his side’s 6-1 victory over Hellas Verona on Thursday evening and was adamant that, despite competing for silverware in Serie A and the Champions League, Massimiliano Allegri’s men will not be taking the domestic cup competition lightly.

“If we had won the Supercoppa Italiana we would have had a sensational first half of the season and exceeded all expectations,” he stated while speaking to JTV.

“Looking beyond that defeat, it is clear that Juve are a team that are evolving, it is also clear that a lot of our players are still maturing.

“We have a goal to make it as far as we possibly can in the Champions League, while looking to retain the Scudetto, and at the same time we will try to win the Coppa.”

Buffon feels there is an extra importance placed on success in the Coppa Italia due to Juventus not getting their hands on the trophy since the 1994/95 season.

“This is a trophy that has been missing for years for Juve, and is something that you should try to win if at all possible.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: 'Juve, career and depression'

Feb 10, 2015

Gigi Buffon discussed his career, becoming a Juventus symbol and getting past the “black hole” of depression.

The Italy captain sat down with fans at a workshop today titled ‘Dealing efficiently with talent and a team.’

“As a kid I became passionate about football, as so many do, and wanted to replicate the moves of champions who played in top teams. With my friends I learned to share this common language,” said Buffon.

“I used to love scoring goals, not saving them! Then suddenly in 1990 my father advised me to become a goalkeeper, I went to Parma and it escalated pretty rapidly from there.

“I was exuberant as a youngster, but also had that arrogance that helped me stand my ground among the big boys. I always had the confidence to make my mark thanks to the awareness of how good I was.

“I was a rebel, but if at 37 I had maintained the same personality, I’d be a complete idiot! I might’ve been a great goalkeeper, but an eternal Peter Pan isn’t right for me.

“Natural talent is inherited from your parents and is a great foundation, but it has to be supported by perseverance and hard work, otherwise you risk becoming an ephemeral talent, destined for oblivion.”

Buffon also spoke about his battle with depression from December 2003 to June 2004.

“It was a moment of personal growth. I was happy with my career, but not satisfied as a man. There was this black hole in my soul.

“Even today I struggle to understand myself. I am much more relaxed and balanced now, but I still like to do some self-criticism, to inspect myself and get the best out of this life. The good thing about life is understanding how to grow.

“I have no regrets in my life. I made my journey and always paid for my mistakes. After all, the mistakes help you to grow.

“Physically I have also started looking after myself more since I turned 30. It requires sacrifices to stay at a certain level and, apart from the odd pain, I hope to continue for a while yet.”

Buffon also discussed his status as the ‘symbol’ of Juventus after Alessandro Del Piero left.

“There are moments when you ask yourself if it’s right to carry on or not. On two or three occasions it could’ve gone differently, but I think a sense of belonging is a value that should be rediscovered. After all, that is what touches the fans.

“Could I be a symbol like Del Piero or Totti is for Roma? If there is a joint desire to go forward from the club and player for a common journey together, then why not?”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon Slams ‘Bizarre’ Juventus-AC Milan Controversy

Feb 10, 2015

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has slammed the controversy that arose following the Bianconeri’s 3-1 win over AC Milan.

The Rossoneri were unhappy at the decision to award Juve’s opening goal scored by Carlos Tevez, with vice-president Adriano Galliani claiming that broadcasters Sky Italia were trying to make viewers think the goal was correct

“It was a bizarre controversy,” he told Sky. “It makes us understand the nature of us Italians, we are polemists by nature.

“In this case, we managed to create an issue out of nothing; the goal was correct.

“Actually the only refereeing error in the game was the corner-kick that resulted in Milan’s only goal, and I see that no one cares about the error, and that’s how it should be.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: Winning mentality part of Juventus' DNA

The experienced goalkeeper was delighted with his side's attitude against Genoa,
while also taking the time to praise head coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Mar 23, 2015

Gianluigi Buffon has hailed Juventus' winning mentality and desire to keep fighting in the wake of their 1-0 win over Genoa on Sunday.

A single Carlos Tevez strike was enough for the title holders to bag the full three points, with the Argentine missing a spot kick as well, and Buffon was delighted with his side's outing after a tough Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund in midweek.

"Our toughest challenge was a psychological one, finding the energy to remain alert after Wednesday’s game," Buffon told reporters.

"Tiredness is an inevitable factor but our desire to keep fighting right until the end is proving the difference.

"Our winning mentality is the secret behind our ongoing success. Battling is the culture of this group, the club and our history.

"It’s part of our DNA and although we’d lost our way a bit, we were able to regain a winning mentality and conviction during these last three-and-a-half years."

The shot stopper then went on to praise head coach Massimiliano Allegri following his fine work at Juventus since his arrival last summer.

"The boss made one of the most courageous decisions someone in football could have made.

"Coming to a club like Juventus who had won three consecutive titles, implementing your own brand of football and still obtaining such results is something you can only take your hat off to."

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: ‘Conte’s Italy like Juventus’

Mar 26, 2015

Captain Gianluigi Buffon says Antonio Conte’s Italy side is just like the Juventus team which won three Scudetti.

Conte took over as Italy CT this summer after leaving the Bianconeri, who he had guided to three consecutive titles, and Buffon reveals the same approach has been carried over to the Azzurri.

"The coach has tried to put his stamp on the team since he arrived,” the goalkeeper told UEFA’s official website.

“In tactical aspects on the pitch and also in terms of being serious and fully dedicated to work and specifics in training, the gym and so on.

“He thinks – and I think this is the right way as well – that the more you get used to fatigue and overcoming mental hurdles, then the better you're able to respond to difficulties on the pitch.

“It was like that for three years at Juventus, and I hope for many more years with the national team.

“The respect the players feel for the coach, and the credibility he has among the players, is based on him treating everyone the same.

“The rules apply to everyone and everyone is treated more or less the same way. And when it comes to deciding who plays, we are all put on the same level. That's a very good way to work.”

The Azzurri captain then looked ahead to the Euro 2016 qualifier with Bulgaria, and insists it will not be an easy game.

“When you play away matches against teams from that part of the world, you always face difficulties.

“You always face tough sides that give 120 per cent because they're playing against Italy – it gives their players a chance to show what they can do.

“It will certainly be a difficult hurdle to overcome. But I think that if we go there with the right frame of mind and the right attitude, which you need for this competition, then we are a team that can beat anybody."

[Socrates 8386]

Storari: ‘Buffon is the best’

Mar 26, 2015

Marco Storari believes Gigi Buffon is still the best goalkeeper in the world, and discusses Juventus’ aims.

The former Genoa man is the backup to Buffon at Juventus, and still sees the Italy captain as the world’s best.

“I think a goalkeeper also needs to be technically strong and from this point of view Gigi remains number one as far as I’m concerned,” Storari told Sky.

“People speak a lot about about Neuer, who is a great goalkeeper and has exceptional physical qualities, but for the characteristics required by those who play in our position I think Gigi is the best.

“Other goalkeepers I like? In Italy there are many emerging youngsters who could carve out an important future for themselves.”

The 38-year-old also evaluated the Bianconeri’s aims for the season, and admits the Coppa Italia is a personal priority.

“Once again this season began as a head-to-head fight with Roma [in Serie A], and as the games have gone by we’ve managed to accumulate a healthy lead.

“There have also been a few slip-ups from the chasing pack, but I think a lot of it is down to how well we’ve performed.

“Europe? We enjoyed a decent group stage and an excellent last 16, in both legs, against Borussia, knowing that we were a strong side and capable of getting through to the next round.Nothing’s changed with respect to our other campaigns, because we’ve always tackled the Champions League with the desire to win and perform well.

The difference lies in the results we’re getting.

“As for the Coppa Italia, We know we’ll be lining up against a side in great form [Fiorentina].

“Two mistakes cost us the first leg and now we want to overturn the scoreline, because the Coppa Italia is a target we’ve missed out on for many years.

“If we were ever able to win the Coppa Italia it would be extra special for me as it’s a competition I start in.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: I’ll Play On For Juventus Until 40

Apr 18, 2015

With an agreement in place for Fiorentina goalkeeper Norberto Neto to head to reigning Serie A champions Juventus this summer, existing No.1 Gianluigi Buffon has reiterated his desire to play on for another three years.

The 37-year-old joined the Turin club for a world record €51m from Parma in 2001, and sounds intent on remaining first-choice for the Bianconeri despite the Neto’s arrival.

“I want to play on until I’m 40,” Buffon told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

That admission from the Italian has seen some question whether a deal for the Viola stopper to arrive this summer could be under threat.

The 25-year-old has his eye on become first-choice for his country and, should he be unable to displace Buffon, would surely need to reevaluate those aspirations.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon picks dream team

Apr 21, 2015

Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon picked his Top 11, including Andrea Pirlo, Roberto Baggio and Fabio Cannavaro.

The Italy captain was asked to choose an ideal XI of figures he has either played with or against in his career.

“Thomas N’Kono was who I grew up admiring, but from my generation, Iker Casillas is one of the few goalkeeping greats. There has always been a mutual respect between us.

“Every kid who says they want to be a defender should be made to sit there and watch old videos of Maldini.

“I picked Cannavaro despite beating me to European Player of the Year in 2006! I’m kidding, he deserved it that year. He was the best defender in the world.

“I joined Juventus the same summer as Lilian Thuram. He had such power and aggression in his play, but was also so elegant.

“Pirlo is one of the real football geniuses. It’s entertaining to watch teams plan to stop him and in a second he just destroys their plan with brilliance.”

Among these superstars, it was perhaps odd to see Gennaro Gattuso picked in midfield.

“He’s a good friend, but also a beast to have in any team. He was the best in his position.

“Pavel Nedved was so loyal to Juventus after relegation and at that point in his career he could have played for any club in Europe.”

There was a surprising omission, as having Leo Messi, Ronaldo and Baggio together meant no room for Alessandro Del Piero.

“When Messi is at 100 per cent form, you can forget about trying to stop him. It’s just a wonder to watch him.

“I was 17 and made my debut against Roberto Baggio, which was frightening. He is the best Italian player of the last 30 years.

“Ronaldo is the best I ever played against. If it wasn’t for injury, I think he’d be talked about on the same level as Pele and Diego Maradona.”


Buffon’s Ideal XI: Casillas; Thuram, Cannavaro, Maldini, Roberto Carlos; Gattuso, Pirlo, Nedved; Baggio, Ronaldo, Messi

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: Juventus Are Not Yet Satisfied With The Season

Apr 26, 2015

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has claimed that the club are not satisfied with their season yet.

The Bianconeri have almost clinched Serie A, are in the final of the Coppa Italia and the semi-finals of the Champions League but Buffon insists that Juventus are not done.

“We are not satisfied as we have not achieved anything yet,” Buffon told La Stampa.

“We have done amazing well this season, we should be proud but we still have work to do.

“We have been superb in the Champions League and to reach the Semi-finals is hugely significant for this group.

“This is a great era for Juve and we are hoping to add to our great history.

“I promise the fans that we will do everything we can to do something special this season.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon punishes team with training camp

The Juventus goalkeeper has declared his outrage with Carrarese's latest
performance and, as the major shareholder, has sent them to a training camp.

Apr 28, 2015

Gianluigi Buffon has sent Carrarese, the team he owns, to a training camp as punishment following their most recent defeat.

The Juventus goalkeeper bought a major stake in the Italian third tier side, his hometown and childhood club, in 2012, having initially become a shareholder in 2010.

Carrarese sit tenth in the Lega Pro B, four points above the relegation playoff place after losing Sunday's home clash 2-1 to SPAL.

And Buffon reacted angrily to the result, sending them to a training camp until their next match with Citta di Pontedera on Saturday.

"With Sunday's defeat we have seriously undermined the good work we have done so far and are threatening to undermine the good work that has been done in the first months of the season," he said in a statement.

"I voiced all my disappointment to general manager Sandro Turotti which is why I have fully supported the decision of the club to lead the team into a training camp from Wednesday and at least until the next game of the championship.

"I hope that the team, the coach and the club can find - thanks to the training camp itself - the concentration needed to achieve the best possible result in the remaining games of the season.

"I am always personally committed to Carrarese and not only in terms of my image.

"This is the time to consider everything and find the compactness and anger to come out from the difficulties in which we find ourselves.

"I hope, finally, that the fans understand the situation and continue to show their support to the team."

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon Insists He Won’t Become A Coach

May 4, 2015

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is unsure what the future holds when he finally decides to retire from football.

The 37-year-old currently holds the number one jersey for both Juventus and the Italian national side and although he has no immediate plans to hang up his goalkeeping gloves, Buffon has admitted that he is unsure what he will do when that day arrives.

”I don’t think I’d like to be a head coach,” he told May’s edition of GQ magazine. ”I would maybe like a smaller coaching role or maybe a management role within a club.”

Buffon also revealed the pride he felt in being the captain of the Azzurri, ”Being the captain of the national team, for me, is a beautiful thing. My sense of belonging to this nation is something I believe in very much,what’s not to love about this country?”

Buffon is preparing to face to Real Madrid on Tuesday night in the semi-final of the Champions League and victory over two legs for Juventus would see them reach the final in Berlin, the scene of Italy’s 2006 World Cup triumph.

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Buffon: Juventus Have The Players
To Cause Barcelona Problems

May 23, 2015

Gianluigi Buffon is optimistic Juventus can cause Barcelona problems when the two teams meet in the Champions League final.

The Bianconeri will face the La Liga winners on June 6 in Berlin after both teams won their respective leagues.

“In two weeks a lot can change both physically and mentally,” the goalkeeper told Sky Sport Italia.

“We will take a lot of positivity into the final, but so will Barcelona.

“The challenge is almost impossible. We aren’t the favourites but we have good players and will try to play our own game.

“If they are all at 100 percent, then it will be tough.

“We have had a nice journey over the last four years,” he told Mediaset Premium.

“Barcelona are a team that are almost unbeatable, but we have our own weapons who can also cause problems.

“Our priority is to play well and try to win the Champions League. Both myself and the team have had a great season.

“Juventus have a great defence and will make life difficult for Barcelona’s attackers.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: Juventus Will Need 100 Percent
Of Even A Little Luck Against Barcelona

May 24, 2015

Gianluigi Buffon spoke ahead of Juventus’ Champions League clash against Barcelona, optimistic but respectful before the Spanish giants.

Juventus will meet Barcelona in the Champions League final on June 6. Juventus defeated another Spanish team, Real Madrid, in order to make it to Berlin and will need to repeat the feat to complete a treble of trophies.

“Before an event like this [Champions League final], the more the days pass and more the tension rises,” Buffon told Tuttosport.

“We are aware that we are not favourites; I would say we have about a 30 percent chance of winning. We know we are a good team but they [barcelona] are very strong.

“We created momentum after the win against Real Madrid, and winning two trophies after it [scudetto and Coppa Italia] is proof that we can be optimistic.

“We will need 100 percent of even a little luck; but in football, it is not always the strongest who wins.”

The Juventus captain also touched on being a potential candidate for the Ballon d’Or.

“It would be an honour for me and a great prize after this fantastic season,” Buffon said to Tuttosport.

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Buffon: ’35 per cent chance with Barça’

May 26, 2015

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon admits they have ’less than a 35 per cent chance’ of beating Barcelona in the Champions League final.

The Bianconeri will face the Catalan giants in on June 6 in Berlin, the scene of perhaps the most famous moment of the ‘keeper’s career, when he lifted the World Cup with Italy.

“I’m going back to Berlin after nine years,” Buffon told Mediaset.

“Let’s see if the feelings are the same, I don’t think there’s a big difference to the sensations I felt nine years ago.

“Against Barcelona we have less than a 35 per cent chance, but we have some weapons and we have to focus on that.

“Before we played Real Madrid they were a meter in front of us, and we have two games where we had to make up a metre plus one centimetre, and that’s what we did.

“After 10 years, to have struggled to reach this goal with my teammates, the club and the fans is something great and rewarding.

“We can only say, very clearly and calmly, that we know the difficulties we’re going to face, and we’ll need psychological strength, because if you look like you’re in crisis the opponent can kill you with a single blow.”

[Socrates 8386]

Gianluigi Buffon to end ownership
of hometown club Carrarese

May 27, 2015

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will end his investment in Italian third-division club Carrarese, saying he feels he has been fighting a losing battle at his hometown club.

Buffon, 37, has been the owner of Carrarese since 2012, but after three years of pumping his own money into the side, he says it is time to call it a day.

At the end of the current season, he will be leaving the club to resolve their future alone -- a situation he feels he has been in ever since taking control.

"I'm disappointed," Buffon said in quotes reported by La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "June 30 will be my final day as owner."

Carrarese finished the season in 12th and Buffon no longer sees a future for them any higher than at their current level, saying: "I wanted to wait until the end of the season before summarising this experience, and I've decided I'm leaving Carrarese.

"What I did here was a gesture of love which was never repaid. This decision has matured over the course of this year.

"It's very difficult to carry on playing football on a professional level in this situation, which has been going on for three years. Both the city and the mayor have been aware of my thoughts for a while.

"I'm disappointed and upset. At this moment in time, I do not think there are the conditions for this city to support a football club in an important league such as the third division."

Buffon claims he has done all he could possibly have done to guarantee the club's future, but that the time has now come for him to end his involvement.

"Twice in the past five years I have chosen to be part of two groups who were keen on lifting Carrarese's fortunes," Buffon continued. "The first group fell apart after two years, leaving me on my own. The second, despite the promises, never even materialised.

"On both occasions, I found myself left on my own and with the responsibility in deciding whether to declare the club bankrupt or guarantee them a future through the involvement of my family.

"I always opted to invest, aware that it was only going to be a decision based on affection and not on business.

"Maybe we all now should take a period of reflection -- the city, local businessmen and the fans -- to understand whether there really is enough interest to have a club who represents us in the third division."

In the meantime, Buffon has more pressing thoughts. He will play in his second Champions League final on June 6, hoping for a better outcome than his first back in 2003, when he was on the losing Juventus side to AC Milan.

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: ‘Bonucci most improved’

Jun 3, 2015

Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon discusses his teammates, calling Andrea Pirlo a ‘genius’ and hailing Leonardo Bonucci’s progression.

The Bianconeri are on the brink of a treble, and will compete for the final trophy of the season, the Champions League, against Barcelona on Saturday.

“Leonardo Bonucci is the player who's matured the most this year compared with the rest of the squad,” Buffon told UEFA’s official website, in a feature analysing his teammates.

“He's made an impressive jump in terms of his maturity. Now I really consider him on the same level as [Andrea] Barzagli and Giorgio [Chiellini]. He's the best that you can have in defence.

“Claudio Marchisio, alongside Bonucci, is a player who's had an amazing year in terms of his character. He's a player who I believe is now perfectly aware of his own value. He's a very intelligent player both tactically and technically.

“He's very good at winning back possession in midfield. He always does a good job and is very versatile.

"Alvaro Morata has been the biggest surprise and now that I know him, I can say that if matures in the right way and if he wants to put his professionalism to the benefit of the team and the profession, he can be the star of the next few years.”

The goalkeeper also gave his thoughts on two midfielders at opposite points of their career - 22-year-old Paul Pogba, and veteran Pirlo.

“Pogba is an incredible talent. He can and will be able to achieve whatever he wants in life, in footballing terms. It just depends on him and his desire.

“Pirlo is one of the few footballing geniuses.

“And Buffon? That guy is an expert!”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon: 'Juve, three more years'

Jun 7, 2015

Gianluigi Buffon believes Juventus tried their best and wants 'another three years' with them.

The veteran goalkeeper was unable to repeat the Berlin victory at the World Cup in 2006 as the Bianconeri lost the Champions League final to Barcelona 3-1.

“There was a moment in which I allowed myself to believe in the epic feat,” he admitted to Tuttosport.

“We couldn't finish it off because certain qualities emerged, not because we didn't try hard enough. But we proved that we're quite comfortable at these levels.

“It's a shame, but I know how to handle the moments of happiness and disappointment that sports will give you.

“We started out as the underdogs, but we shouldn't have any regrets over this final.”

The 37-year-old was also asked about his future, as some of Juve's icons look like they could leave the club this summer.

“I want to keep myself at these levels for at least three more years.

“Then I'll draw the blinds. I hope I'll have fulfilled at least one more dream by then.”

[Socrates 8386]

Buffon can pip Messi to the Ballon d'Or, says Cruyff

The Dutchman has acknowledged the forward's displays towards the end
of the campaign but feels the Italian has been more consistent.

Jun 9, 2015

Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon is more deserving of the Ballon d'Or than Lionel Messi, according to Johan Cruyff.

Cruyff, himself a three-time winner of the prize, believes the Italian has had a more consistent year, despite losing to Messi's Barcelona in the Champions League final.

"Messi is playing very well, but what counts when it comes to winning the Ballon d'Or is the whole year and Buffon is definitely a possibility for the prize in 2015," the 68-year-old shared to Tuttosport.

"He's been a great goalkeeper for years now. But Juventus have so many great players. I'm also thinking of Pirlo, Vidal, Pogba and Morata. I especially appreciate the organisation the club boasts.

"Replacing Pirlo will be hard, because his game is so unique. They'll need to find someone entirely similar. Toni Kroos has excelled in that position, but he belongs to Real Madrid.

"If they can't find a direct replacement, they'll have to evolve their style. The important thing is not to look back."

Still, Cruyff believes the Bianconeri have the strength in depth to start over once their iconic midfielder leaves and fully expects them to replicate their European feats of last season sooner rather than later.

"Juventus played as they should have [in Saturday's 3-1 final defeat to Barcelona] with personality and organisation, and managed a goal, though Barcelona are also very strong and showed it again.

"Juventus will have more chances to win it again. They got to the final this year, after several years of playing good football. It's something that is positive for all of Italian football."