Gianluigi Buffon “still has many objectives” with Italy and Juventus before he retires in 2018.
The goalkeeper has already announced his intention to hang up his gloves after the World Cup in Russia, but is in no mood to start planning his post-playing career yet.
“There are still two years of activities to be pursued with the utmost concentration, because it will be increasingly difficult to win every year, since the competitors are better,” Buffon warned Rivista Undici.
Gianluigi Buffon “still has many objectives” with Italy and Juventus before he retires in 2018.
The goalkeeper has already announced his intention to hang up his gloves after the World Cup in Russia, but is in no mood to start planning his post-playing career yet.
“There are still two years of activities to be pursued with the utmost concentration, because it will be increasingly difficult to win every year, since the competitors are better,” Buffon warned Rivista Undici.
“That goes for Italy and in Europe. I don’t have any concrete projects for the future, and I think there’s still time to evaluate the best direction to go in.
“Buffon still has many objectives, both personal and sporting. From a sporting point of view, I want to play in the World Cup in Russia in 2018, and continue to do well in Italy and Europe with Juventus.”
Buffon was then asked to reflect on what it means to be captain of both Juventus and Italy.
“What does it mean to be Juventus captain? It means representing a style, an atmosphere and a group.
“It means setting the example every day in showing the value of this shirt and what it means for millions of fans. When you become captain of a team it means a bit of time has passed.
“I can only be happy to be an important man for this team and this club, and I’m even happier that the Juve fans are pleased to have me representing them.
“Italy? The principle is very similar, dare I say the same. Juventus is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and certainly the most popular in Italy.
“The national team is another dimension again. To represent your country and to be lucky enough to do it around the world is a privilege.
“Do I feel like a symbol? I prefer to separate my private life from my sporting and professional one. I consider myself a normal person, with strengths and weaknesses like any other individual.
“But on a sporting level, I’ve had extraordinary results and achievements, thanks to a professionalism which can certainly be – and I’d be proud if it was – an example to follow.”
Finally, the Bianconeri number one was asked to reflect on some of the high points and low points of his long career.
“Mistakes are part of the job,” Buffon shrugged when asked if any errors still haunt him.
“If I think in a personal context, my reaction to the equaliser against Bayern Munich comes to mind. I had too much pessimism, and in future I’ll try to be even more balanced and rational in dealing with the most delicate moments of the season.
“My best save? Fortunately there are many that I remember with great affection and pride. I always choose three: Italy-Paraguay in Parma when I was 19, from Recoba in Parma-Inter in 2000 and from Zidane in the 2006 World Cup final.”