Just days ago it was confirmed that Gianluigi Buffon had left Juventus and was close to announcing his retirement from professional football. Aged 40 it seemed imminent that the Italian international would be ending his playing days following his country’s failure to secure a spot in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
A true Bianconeri legend says goodbye after 17 years.
Go behind the scenes at @GianluigiBuffon‘s press conference with @Dugout ➡️ https://t.co/eYeu14KDID#UN1CO #Buffon pic.twitter.com/3gehvY5Cl7
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) May 18, 2018
However, the tail took a twist as the shot-stopper recently revealed that he is pondering over his decision to hang up his boots. Buffon was quoted, “Up until 15 days ago, it was certain and well-known that I would stop playing. Now I have received some proposals and exciting challenges, both on the field and off it. The most important for staying on the pitch was proposed to me by [Juventus chairman Andrea] Agnelli. Over the next three days, full of emotion, I will after two or three days of reflection make a definitive decision.”
Now it has been clear for some time that Liverpool are interested in his services but the latest suitors are reported to be Manchester City. Pep Guardiola wants to give the Reds a run for their money delving from his ambitions to take the club a notch further in the upcoming 2018/19 season.
Jurgen Klopp needs to address the problematic area which is at the back of his defence but has the Premier League champions to overcome before he can do that. City have the glowing reputation of being the champions of England after dominating the league for the entirety of the season and securing the Carabo Cup as well.
They quite rightfully are the best team in one of Europe’s most prestigious leagues and have one of the top managers at the helm. Buffon revealed that he was far too competitive to play for any lower tier sides which in turn hinted his ambitions to win more trophies.
The former Barcelona man and the world-class talent pool at Etihad promises that more than Klopps’ Liverpool, at the moment. City already have Ederson as their cemented number one but Claudio Bravo remains a questionable second-string option.
The Chilean made a string of schoolboy errors in his debut season to be dropped into the rotation. He has not looked to have improved during his occasional appearances in cup games this season and might be done away with soon.
This could open up an important spot for Buffon who will have the chance of staying within the picture and contributing to the team’s needs whenever called upon. The Italian is not short of enthusiasm or of a competitive spirit.
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He still has the reflexes and an experienced head to be a massive figure in the dressing room. Maybe this could be the fairytale ending he was looking for.
