Gianluigi Buffon confirms Juventus exit, future plans unknown
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ByEurosport
Updated 17/05/2018 at 10:36 GMT
Legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has announced at a media conference that he will leave Juventus after their final Serie A match of the season against Verona on Saturday.
Juventus' goalkeeper from Italy Gianluigi Buffon (C) and Juventus midfielder from Italy Miralem Pjanic
Image credit: Getty Images
The 40-year-old has just won his ninth Serie A title after playing 1,050 games and 17 years for the Italian champions, but has not indicated he will retire with offers on the table from elsewhere.
He also hinted that he has been offered a coaching role with Juventus.
"Saturday will be my last match at Juventus and finishing my adventure like that, with two titles, with the support of (Juventus chairman) Andrea (Agnelli) and all the Bianconero people, will be the most beautiful," Buffon told reporters.
Up to 15 days ago my retirement seemed obvious, but some days ago I received some interesting offers in and out of the pitch and the most important of this second group was made by President Agnelli. On Saturday, I will play the last game with Juventus, then I will take two or three days to think calmly, but I am sure I’ll decide according to the will that my heart is screaming.
"It gives me great pleasure that so many people have come out to see me. My principles have always been honesty, loyalty and to fight against hypocrisy.
"I'm very emotional, but I arrive today with happiness and fulfilment. I always tried to do my best."
Buffon set the world transfer record for a goalkeeper when swapping Parma for Juventus for £32.6m in 2001.
He enjoyed his career highlight when winning the 2006 World Cup with Italy, but the total body of his work makes him arguably the greatest and most decorated keeper in history.
Buffon had planned to end his career at the 2018 World Cup, which would have been his sixth, but Italy failed to qualify.
As well as his nine Serie A titles, Buffon also has a Serie B title from 2007 after staying with Juventus following their demotion due to the Calciopoli cheating scandal.
Buffon has won four successive Coppa Italias and five Italian Supercoppas with Juventus. During his time with Parma he also won the Coppa Italia, UEFA Cup and Italian Supercoppa in 1999.
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny is in line to succeed Buffon next season.
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