Gianluigi Buffon will take a role in the Italy setup when he retires at the end of the season, according to reports.
The legendary goalkeeper hasn’t yet confirmed that he’ll hang up his gloves at the end of the current campaign, but his Juventus contract expires on June 30.
While Gigi could play on if the Bianconeri win the Champions League, there have been increasing reports in recent weeks that he has decided to say goodbye to the pitch.
Gianluigi Buffon will take a role in the Italy setup when he retires at the end of the season, according to reports.
The legendary goalkeeper hasn’t yet confirmed that he’ll hang up his gloves at the end of the current campaign, but his Juventus contract expires on June 30.
While Gigi could play on if the Bianconeri win the Champions League, there have been increasing reports in recent weeks that he has decided to say goodbye to the pitch.
Now Gazzetta dello Sport is reporting that, rather than stay with Juve, Buffon will take a role in the Italy setup.
The newspaper expects the 40-year-old to join Club Italia, a structure set up to manage the activities of the Azzurri.
In essence, Buffon would become President of the national team.
There are other options, including becoming Team Manager or working in the coaching setup with a view to becoming CT, but Club Italia is seen as the most likely avenue.
Buffon’s farewell will come in June when Italy face the Netherlands at Juventus Stadium, allowing him to finally say goodbye to the national team in his home stadium.
There are several Italian and foreign clubs who would offer the goalkeeper the chance to continue, but Buffon himself has made it clear he’ll only play on for Juventus.
That would only happen if they win the Champions League this season, as he wants to play in the Club World Cup.
Buffon has already met with President Andrea Agnelli and made a decision on his future, but nothing has yet been made official publicly.