Gianluigi Buffon does not want a Paris Saint-Germain-Juventus Champions League Final and admits ‘there’s no chance’ of him playing for Italy again.
Buffon lost three Champions League Finals with Juve before his free transfer to PSG, who are among the favourites for this season’s crown, while the veteran goalkeeper has not appeared for Italy under Roberto Mancini.
Gianluigi Buffon does not want a Paris Saint-Germain-Juventus Champions League Final and admits ‘there’s no chance’ of him playing for Italy again.
Buffon lost three Champions League Finals with Juve before his free transfer to PSG, who are among the favourites for this season’s crown, while the veteran goalkeeper has not appeared for Italy under Roberto Mancini.
“After a week, PSG realised they hadn’t signed someone who was getting old but rather someone wanted to carve out their place in the team and help them grow.,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I got the role I wanted: one of making myself available to help the club grow and show I’m still good enough.
“I have no regrets or disappointment about leaving Juve. My farewell was planned long ago and the chapter closed perfectly.
“I was in Italy last week, I called Andrea [Agnelli] and he gave me permission to train at Continassa for three days.
“If I had to face Juve in the Champions League, I’d prefer to do so before the Final because, if I was to win it, I wouldn’t my joy to coincide with the tears of my former teammates.
“After the Sweden game, Di Biagio had called me to say that he needed me for the two friendlies. I said ‘yes’ to him out of friendship and a sense of responsibility.
“At that point, shameful things were being said about me: that I was a gatecrasher, an old man clinging to his armchair.
“Then, out of pride and dignity, I stepped aside. Mancini’s called me since, asking for my availability in an emergency.
“However, there are Donnarumma, Perin, Sirigu, Cragno, Meret… so there’s no chance of seeing me back in blue.”