Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer acknowledges Juventus’ Gigi Buffon as “a role model”.
The two will be at opposite ends of the pitch in tomorrow’s Champions League Last 16 meeting, and the German international was asked for his thoughts on the Italian number one.
“Gigi is a player who has been around for a long time,” Neuer told UEFA’s official website.
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer acknowledges Juventus’ Gigi Buffon as “a role model”.
The two will be at opposite ends of the pitch in tomorrow’s Champions League Last 16 meeting, and the German international was asked for his thoughts on the Italian number one.
“Gigi is a player who has been around for a long time,” Neuer told UEFA’s official website.
“He has shown his international class for years and put in top performances every season. For me that is very admirable. “I watched him in the Champions League and in games for Italy and he was a role model for me. It is great that he is still around and that I have been able to play against him.
“He's a decent bloke, very friendly and down-to-earth. We respect one another.
“Will I play for as long as him? I can't answer that question; to set such goals when you’re 29 is difficult. You have to think about your body and see whether you're still fit.
“At the moment I am feeling good but I cannot say what I will be like in four or five years.”
UEFA also asked two former greats for their opinions on the pair, in the shape of Dino Zoff and Jens Lehmann.
“Buffon is without doubt a magnificent goalkeeper, but I wouldn't have minded seeing him play outside Italy,” said Lehmann.
“Only then can you see if a goalkeeper is truly fantastic, or if he can only play in one league.
“Of course Buffon has played incredibly well in Serie A and for the Italian national team, but I think Neuer probably has the edge over him, perhaps because he's also learnt from him.”
Zoff, however, was reluctant to take a position, praising both men.
“Buffon is still playing extremely well, he is still in outstanding physical shape despite his age. He is still among the best goalkeepers in the world, no doubt about that.
“He is a complete goalkeeper and keeps working hard year after year; he is always determined to improve and this is a great thing for any player, even more so for a player of his status.
“Neuer is another great goalkeeper, among the best in the world as well. He is very strong physically but he is also very clever and quick-witted. He takes a lot of risks, especially with his feet, yet he always seems to make the right decision.
“It's difficult to say who is better. Buffon and Neuer are two great keepers. They certainly have different styles but they are both extremely good and effective. It will be good to see them pitted against each other.”