Gianluigi Buffon went to bat for Juventus following the recent point deduction, raising questions about the nature of the punishment in an interview.
VERONA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 27: Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus gives a thumbs up prior to the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Juventus at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 27, 2021 in Verona, Italy. Sporting stadiums around Italy remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images )

Legendary Parma Shotstopper Buffon Keen to Push Further than 50

Parma goalkeeper and Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon does not see himself ending his football career anytime soon and says he will keep playing at the top level as long as his body can take it.

The iconic Italian began his career with Parma aged just 17, and 27 years later is still on the top of his game. He only recently signed a short-term contract that will keep him tied to his boyhood club past his 46th birthday.

Speaking to media outlet Repubblica.it (via MilanNews), Buffon disclosed his future career plans.

He said: “Playing up to 50 years? I want to push even further. As long as I play so well, how can I stop?”

Buffon believes that his future will depend on the current competition around him.

“Football is a market and it depends. from competitors, as long as you do better than them it is right to continue. ​​The market decides when you don’t hit anything anymore and when you hit it again,” he said.

The Italy legend returned to Parma for the first time since 2001, a 21-year long absence that saw him conquer leaps and bounds in the beautiful game and establish himself as one of the sport’s greatest ever shotstoppers.

He has 25 caps this season for Parma in Serie B.