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.”