Italy and Juventus goalkeeping legend Gianluigi Buffon to play on until he's 45 by returning to boyhood club Parma
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Published 14/06/2021 at 11:54 GMT
The 43-year-old confirmed last month that he is leaving Juventus, but rather than retiring, it now seems he will prolong his career until his mid-40s with a reported return to Parma - where he started his career. Buffon is understood to have agreed a two-year contract with the team from Emilia-Romagna, which will play in Serie B next season following relegation from the top flight.
Gianluigi Buffon appears to be close to securing a second spell at Parma
Image credit: Getty Images
Gianluigi Buffon looks likely to take his professional goalkeeping career into his mid-40s, with reports suggesting he is close to rejoining Parma.
The 43-year-old Italy legend confirmed last month that he is leaving Juventus, where he has spent the last two years in a second spell at the club following a season at Paris Saint-Germain.
But rather than retiring, it now seems Buffon will return to Parma, where he spent his youth career before making his professional debut 26 years ago.
According to Sky Sports in Italy and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the goalkeeper will sign a two-year contract, which would take his career up to the age of 45.
Buffon would be joining a club which is playing in the second tier, after Parma were relegated from Serie A. He played for Parma between 1995 and 2001, before departing for a 17-year spell at Juve.
But since then, much like Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, they have been found bankrupt and re-formed as a new company - working their back up the divisions to the top level of Italian football.
Buffon will compete with first-choice goalkeeper Luigi Sepe for the number one spot as they look to return to the top flight at the first attempt.
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