Gianluigi Buffon will not remain at Paris Saint-Germain for the 2019-20 season, confirmed the club. “My adventure outside Italy comes to an end.”
The former Parma and Juventus star had tried out a new experience in Ligue 1 at the age of 40, but will not extend the contract that expires on June 30.
“Following joint discussions, Paris Saint-Germain and Gianluigi Buffon have agreed to not renew the legendary goalkeeper's contract which expires on 30 June 2019,” read a statement.
Gianluigi Buffon will not remain at Paris Saint-Germain for the 2019-20 season, confirmed the club. “My adventure outside Italy comes to an end.”
The former Parma and Juventus star had tried out a new experience in Ligue 1 at the age of 40, but will not extend the contract that expires on June 30.
“Following joint discussions, Paris Saint-Germain and Gianluigi Buffon have agreed to not renew the legendary goalkeeper's contract which expires on 30 June 2019,” read a statement.
“Paris Saint-Germain is honoured to have had the greatest goalkeeper in the history of football at the club, a 2006 World Cup winner with many individual awards since the start of his career. The club also wishes the unforgettable "Gigi" the best in his personal projects that now await him.”
Intriguingly, the statement Buffon released on his personal Instagram and the one on the club website are slightly different, as a couple of phrases were excised.
“Today my adventure outside Italy comes to an end: PSG proposed a contract renewal that I did not feel ready to accept, pushed by my desire to prepare for new personal experiences and new professional challenges.”
Buffon also spoke to the official PSG website about his time at the club.
"Thank you all for everything I have had the opportunity to experience in Paris. Thank you for the emotions that we have shared together.
“Twelve months ago, I arrived at Paris Saint-Germain filled with enthusiasm, welcomed by the incredible warmth of the fans. It was really moving. Thank you, once again, from the bottom of my heart.
“I leave happy to have enjoyed this experience, which has undoubtedly helped me to grow. Today my adventure outside Italy comes to an end.
“I would like to thank the chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, the whole club and my teammates. I wish you all the best, convinced that together you will write the pages of a wonderful story.
“Ernest Hemingway wrote that there are only two places in the world where people can live happily: at home and in Paris. Today onwards, this will also apply to me: Paris, in some way, will always remain my home… Allez Paris! Thank you and good luck with everything!”
This phrasing suggests either Buffon has decided to retire, or he will continue to play in Italy, having been linked with his first club Parma.
"I will never forget the pride that everyone at Paris Saint-Germain, both the club and the fans, felt when they saw Gianluigi Buffon wearing our jersey," said Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Chairman and CEO of Paris Saint-Germain.
“For the first time in his fabulous career, Gianluigi had made the brave choice to leave Italy, struck by our ambitious and modern project.
“During his time at PSG he brought his phenomenal experience and his sense of professionalism not only to his teammates but also to all areas of the club. We will miss his warm and open personality here at the club.
“Gigi will forever remain among the football giants who have worn the Paris Saint-Germain colours and shared the values of the club.
“We will be honoured to welcome him again next year, along with other former players, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our club.”