Gianluigi Buffon discusses Juventus' Scudetto campaign and his possible future as a Coach.
The 38-year-old was among the decisive men in the Bianconeri's campaign for a historic fifth Serie A title, including a new goalkeeping record for the longest run without conceding goals (974 minutes).
Gianluigi Buffon discusses Juventus' Scudetto campaign and his possible future as a Coach.
The 38-year-old was among the decisive men in the Bianconeri's campaign for a historic fifth Serie A title, including a new goalkeeping record for the longest run without conceding goals (974 minutes).
“I think this Scudetto showed Juventus' real qualities and those of the men in the team,” Buffon told the Tiki Taka show on Italia 1. “Never before was the team in greater need of a drive to keep surprising people and to resist what initially seemed like a destined result.
“My personal record doesn't add anything for me. Nothing changed in terms of pride and personal gratification, but I'm glad I was able to reach such an important result with this team. The record goes under the name Buffon, but must be credited to [Andrea] Barzagli, [Giorgio] Chiellini, [Leonardo] Bonucci and everybody else.”
Buffon famously delivered a motivational speech after Juventus' 1-0 defeat to Sassuolo, just before the negative streak of the Bianconeri was over.
“The season didn't change just because of that. It takes many different variable, and not just abstract words. You must have men who are willing to listen to you.
“We kicked off the season worst than anybody else. Things changed when we understood that thinking of Inter, Roma and Napoli would be conceited, when our position in the standings disallowed for it. We needed to get down and dirty before we could return to our positions.”
The 38-year-old then discussed the Old Lady's European campaign, and their continued efforts to win the Champions League.
“Unwittingly, this year we ended up coming closer than the year before. If we'd surpassed Bayern, then the main rival would still have been Barcelona. Against the rest of the teams we'd have played on their level, or even as the favourites. Speaking retrospectively, it would have been a good chance.
“I wouldn't give up on any of my Scudetti in exchange for a Champions League. These are the objectives I fought for. The Champions League is not an obsession for me, it's a beautiful adventure that fills me with enthusiasm every year. They're emotions worth living.
“Retirement? I'll do whatever I find most exciting. I'll have to improve as a person and as a professional, with no hurry, but still in the football world.
“Coaching seems too exhausting from a mental point of view, and I've given enough as it is. We'll see about a director role.”