During his first press conference as Italy’s Delegation Chief, Gianluigi Buffon revealed the exact moment he decided to retire.
The legendary goalkeeper announced retirement in August despite having a year left in his contract with Serie B side Parma.
He had suffered an injury in the first leg of a Serie B playoff semifinal away at Cagliari. He was subbed off during the break and that’s exactly when he decided to retire.
“It was not difficult [to decide to retire]. At my age, it was something natural to consider,” he said at a press conference attended by Football Italia on Monday.
“I had prepared myself to be ready for the Serie B playoffs at the end of the season. I was fully fit, physically and mentally, but I got injured in Cagliari. That was the sign I had to quit. When I was in the dressing room at Cagliari, I had already decided.”