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.
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?”