During the second part of his interview with Bobo TV, Gigi Buffon revealed he snubbed Barcelona and Roma to join Juventus in 2001 but admits leaving PSG was ‘his biggest mistake.’
The former Italy international spent only one season at PSG in 2018-19, between his two spells with Juventus, collecting 25 appearances across all competitions with the Ligue 1 giants.
“It was the most beautiful experience in my life and leaving was my biggest mistake,” he admitted.
“I gave up €10m. They wanted to play Alphonse Areola and I couldn’t accept it. [Being second-choice keeper] is something I would only accept at Juventus, that’s what I did but it was also difficult.
“My sons are still asking me why we left Paris. I felt like a free man there. I went to museums, spoke French…and I think I’ll never see the same quality again,” continued the goalkeeper.
“Their rondos were stunning. What they lacked, however, was the Juventus attitude because the team was so strong. The game against Manchester United is the biggest regret of my career. In Paris, I understood how strong Marco Verratti is. I hadn’t realised he was so special.”
PSG were knocked out of the Champions League Round of 16 at the hands of the Red Devils in 2019 following a mistake of the Italian keeper in the second leg in Paris. Thomas Tuchel was PSG’s boss at that time: “I haven’t met many people as smart as him. He is able to create empathy in the dressing room,” admitted Buffon.
When he returned to Juventus in 2019-20, Buffon found Maurizio Sarri in charge. The Tuscan tactician won the title, but wasn’t on good terms with many at the club and inside the dressing room, so he was sacked after just one year at the club.
“I know what didn’t work and I said so to whoever was in charge,” admitted Buffon.
“Unfortunately, sometimes you need to defend certain choices and make enemies for yourself. I think the coach was almost immediately left depending on the results. We still talk to each other, I have nice memories. I tried to help him. Something didn’t but it could have worked.”
Buffon is obviously one of the most iconic players in the history of Italian football and Juventus. He first joined the Old Lady in 2001 from Parma and went on to become the second player with the most appearances for the Bianconeri with 685 games played in a black and white shirt. Only Alex Del Piero with 705 has more.
“Juventus are the team that helped me reach certain levels. It’s the best choice I could make,” he said.
“My father and my agent convinced me to make that choice. Roma and Barcelona were also interested and I was about to join Barcelona. I had to settle in for five or six months in Turin but the mentality and the professionalism at Juventus are something I’ve never seen in my life.”
What does he make of Juventus’ season, especially after the 15-point deduction, and Max Allegri, one of his former coaches?
“I believe the whole thing has made the players feel they are facing an injustice, so they are trying to challenge it,” said Buffon.
“The coach is not someone training Catenaccio. He gives freedom to his players. He tells the basic things, but then it’s up to them. A player like Neymar would love someone like him. Being defensive has always been our characteristic, we struggled when we had to offer something more, but when we played big games, performances were always excellent. I listened to him [Allegri] on Sunday [after the win over Inter] and I liked him. He is one of the few out there who never complains, he never looks for excuses, contrary to others and it makes the whole environment ealthier.”