Salvatore Sirigu says “the honour of playing with Gigi Buffon” means he doesn’t mind being on the Italy bench.
The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper made his Azzurri debut in 2010, but has been given just 15 caps in the intervening six years.
Buffon has picked up 156 caps since making his debut in 1997, and will captain the side at this summer’s European Championships, barring injury.
Salvatore Sirigu says “the honour of playing with Gigi Buffon” means he doesn’t mind being on the Italy bench.
The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper made his Azzurri debut in 2010, but has been given just 15 caps in the intervening six years.
Buffon has picked up 156 caps since making his debut in 1997, and will captain the side at this summer’s European Championships, barring injury.
“I think it’s fundamental for me to do what I’ve done up to now,” Sirigu said in a Press conference at Coverciano, having also been benched by PSG this season.
“I haven’t played much, but I always had to be ready. I must always try to remain focused. That’s how it was at PSG, and I hope it’ll be like that if I’m called-upon for the national team.
“I think for myself and other goalkeepers, to knock aside the certainty that is Buffon is almost impossible, but I’m very happy with what I’ve done for the national team.
“When I think of this journey, the honour of having played with Buffon will be greater than anything else. They will definitely be beautiful memories.
“When you’re in the national team it’s important to play, but it’s different for goalkeepers.”
Sirigu is under contract at Parc Des Princes for another two years, but hints he could leave in the summer.
“I think when you have a year like I did, the financial aspect is less important than other considerations.”