Gianluigi Buffon reveals “defeats have taught me more than victories” and admits “I have fear of making mistakes”.
The Juventus and Italy captain has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world for the last 20 years, and looked back on his extraordinary career in an interview with Tuttosport.
“At 38 I still don’t feel like an adult,” Buffon explained.
“I believe everyone has a duty to find their own way out, because if you can do that you’ll have immense respect.
Gianluigi Buffon reveals “defeats have taught me more than victories” and admits “I have fear of making mistakes”.
The Juventus and Italy captain has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world for the last 20 years, and looked back on his extraordinary career in an interview with Tuttosport.
“At 38 I still don’t feel like an adult,” Buffon explained.
“I believe everyone has a duty to find their own way out, because if you can do that you’ll have immense respect.
“In my life I haven’t lost much, but the defeats have taught me more than victories. When I lose I focus on the skill of my opponents and my mistakes. The correct way is not to look for excuses.
“I’ve made endless mistakes, and I still make them, but I’m never ashamed to reveal the reason for my mistakes.”
Buffon’s longevity has been put down to his professional approach, and the veteran reveals he’s always been that way.
“I refused pills when I was 13. A lad in Parma offered them to me for fun, I said no and three years later he died of an overdose.
“With my character and my personality, I chose to believe in the right things. With sport I carry around the idea that nothing is obvious or impossible.
“Dreams have to be nurtured, but you have to create balance and harmony within yourself and want to suffer. I’ve realised that you have to do something extra to improve yourself to reach your goals.
“I’m almost 39, but if I think that at 31 I injured my back and many said that I’d never return. I was lucky, but also determined to even surprise myself.”
Finally, the Bianconeri captain discussed his advice for younger teammates.
“I’ve always had respect for opponents, you can’t demand it if you’re not willing to give it, but I never let my head go down.
“I often tell my younger teammates: don’t believe anyone who tells you that they’re never afraid.
“I myself have fear of making mistakes. Fear is the most important thing in games, the thing that motivates me is finding the courage to defeat it.”