MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi has urged Gianluigi Buffon to ignore the ‘jealousy’ and keep playing ‘if he wants to’.
Rossi is one of the most successful motorsport figures in Italy’s history, winning seven MotoGP championships, but – like Buffon – has faced questions about his longevity at the top level after going nine years without a title.
“Buffon absolutely must continue, if he wants to,” the 39-year-old told Gazzetta dello Sport.
MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi has urged Gianluigi Buffon to ignore the ‘jealousy’ and keep playing ‘if he wants to’.
Rossi is one of the most successful motorsport figures in Italy’s history, winning seven MotoGP championships, but – like Buffon – has faced questions about his longevity at the top level after going nine years without a title.
“Buffon absolutely must continue, if he wants to,” the 39-year-old told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I think he’ll know if he can still be at the top. Are people jealous of us? Yes.
“In my opinion, that’s what makes it sweeter for us. It’s easier to say that someone’s finished, instead of recognising their balls and whether they still have them.
“There are two types of people: those who appreciate and enjoy someone else’s greatness, and those who are jealous and rub their own inferiority on others.
“That’s the trendy thing to do in Italy.”