Gianluigi Buffon’s agent says the Juventus goalkeeper always said he’d never turn down an Italy call, and still hasn’t decided his future.
The 40-year-old has confirmed that he’ll accept a call-up to the Azzurri squad from interim CT Luigi Di Biagio, while hinting that he already knows whether he’ll retire or not.
Gianluigi Buffon’s agent says the Juventus goalkeeper always said he’d never turn down an Italy call, and still hasn’t decided his future.
The 40-year-old has confirmed that he’ll accept a call-up to the Azzurri squad from interim CT Luigi Di Biagio, while hinting that he already knows whether he’ll retire or not.
“Nothing has changed since November,” Silvano Martina said on Radio Sportiva, referencing the World Cup play-off defeat to Sweden.
“Gigi has always stated that if the national team called him he would answer. This is an important step for Italy, there will be a new generation and Gigi’s experience could be useful.
“When you get to Gigi’s age you have to take everything day-by-day. Getting called by the national team is very satisfying, Gigi is very attached to the Azzurri and he wants to finish well.
“This could be a chance to do that, and also he could be a help for the new goalkeepers who must take over.
“Will he retire? That’s a decision only Gigi can take. When I’ve spoken to him he’s always told me he’ll decide at the end of the season.
“Whether he decides to continue or to stop, he’ll do it to protect his legacy.”
Juventus have already brought in Wojciech Szczesny, could Buffon stay on and be his backup?
“Age is relative you have to look at performances. If he decides to continue he should be treated as a 20-year-old, if you get called-up it’s because you feel strong.
“We have a group of young players of value, the future of the national team will be important, but an experienced helping hand can be useful.
“Gigi would do anything for the national team and he’s given his availability for the future.”
Some have suggested it may be time for Buffon to hang up the gloves, following his mistake against Tottenham in the Champions League…
“Unfortunately there’s no calm in judgements anymore, you can’t judge by one incident. Gigi was out for a month and a half with injury, when he returned he went three games without conceding a goal and was decisive with Atalanta and Fiorentina.
“He made a mistake against Tottenham but you can’t trace it back to his age. Just a few months ago he was awarded the best goalkeeper in the Champions League, so we’re talking about a complete athlete.
“Whatever his future will be, he’ll decide with great serenity.
“If he still feels that fire inside he’ll continue, otherwise he is a very intelligent lad and will make the best decision.”