Despite two years spent at Juventus with Cristiano Ronaldo, Gigi Buffon ‘can’t choose’ between CR7 and Leo Messi and says he could retire at 55.
Buffon played with Cristiano Ronaldo at the Allianz Stadium from 2019 until 2021, winning one Serie A title, one Coppa Italia and one Supercoppa.
Both left the Bianconeri one year ago. Ronaldo returned to Manchester United in a €15m deal, while Buffon made a sensational comeback to Parma in Serie B.
The 2006 Italy World Cup winner has recently returned to training with the Ducali and held a press conference today, revealing that he’s not planning to retire anytime soon.
“I could retire at 55, I spent ten years at Parma in my first life, then 20 at Juventus. I’ve been thinking about retirement for 10 years, but I’ve always continued. I’ve had important experiences that helped me to know the world of football, but I am not sure I will remain in this world after retirement. Perhaps I could try something else,” he said.
Buffon was also asked to pick one between Messi and his former teammate Ronaldo, but Buffon somehow declined to answer.
“I’ve never played with Messi, so I can’t reply.
“I am telling you, champions are also seen inside the dressing room. You must focus on the men rather than the footballers. When people talk about the best player of all time, they should consider that football has changed and that we’re helped to perform better.
“It’s unfair to question Pele, Maradona or Crujiff. If you have sportsmanship, you must be ready to admit that you’ve been the best player along with others.”
Ronaldo scored 101 goals in 134 appearances with Juventus, winning five trophies in Turin. Buffon is one of the most iconic players in the history of the Bianconeri, having spent 19 years at the club, including one in Serie B.
Juventus were relegated in 2006 and revoked two Serie A titles.
“I’ve won 12 titles, but I was given only 10,” Buffon continued.
“The top five Italian footballers I’ve played with are Baggio, Del Piero Totti, Pirlo and Cassano. For foreign players, I pick Thuram, Neymar, Mbappé, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic.”
Lol the Buffone continues to exhibit extreme levels of desperation. Every interview he gives he seems more and more desperate.
Just stop it man, retire and move on, you’ll never win the champions league.
You’d think as a GK, he’d appreciate the italian defenders he had in front of him.
Maldini, Nesta, Chiellini and Cannavaro.
The reason he has a world cups winner medal has a lot to do with Cannavaro..
Tried to look up how many times he played with Baggio. Has to be less than 3 times.
@Tony what are you on about – he wasnt asked that question – he responded to a question based on who’s better messi / ronaldo
dollarumma
Firstly. Insulting an Italian legend who has won my country its 4th World Cup, and honoured the jersey for many years with distinction and professionalism stinks of immaturity and woeful upbringing.
Second. He should retire because some plastic scat thinks he should? The man is living the dream of millions of kids around the world. He is working, earning a living and keeping his body and mind sharp. Or is this a case of resentment because your cesspit of a country will never ever produce a goalkeeper like Buffon?
Third. What are you doing on a football website dedicated to Italian football if you don’t like Italian footballers? Desperate for attention much?
@Rosario.
Nice points there. Remember the Muntari goal? This Italian “legend” blatantly cheated in that episode, rushed to launch the counter despite knowing full well the ball was miles off the line. No wonder that is the example of a legend, reason why Italy has failed to rise from a burdensome country for EU since forever now.
Not because I think so. He brings nothing to the teams he “plays” in. Did you even see the howler he produced in one of the last games at Parma? His impact is becoming negative. But its not his fault, teams should recognise he’s finished and not sign him up.
Lelll, presumptuous much? Not at all desperate chump. I love calcio. You on the other-hand seem to be severely impaired of cognitive ability. Just bandwagoning into accepting players as legends. I am a Milan fan but I totally recognise many Juve, Inter legends as indeed legends. So go troll somewhere else and eat your wannabe Italian Chicken Parmesan.
Buffon needs to stop pontificating and just retire before he ruins his reputation even further.
Buffon is one of the best goalkeepers in history of the game. I think he has a right to keep playing till he gets tired.