Gianluigi Buffon Plans to Retire from International Football after 2018 World Cup.
Zainab Tanimu –Kaduna
Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says he will “almost certainly” retire after the 2018 World Cup.
The Juventus goalkeeper, who made his Italy debut in October 1997, had decided to retire from international duty after the 2018 World Cup and confirmed he will take his leave early.
The 39-year-old called time on his 20-year, 175-cap career after the 1-0 aggregate play-off defeat to Sweden.He said the national team has failed the country by not qualifying for Russia 2018.
The 39-year-old has made more than 550 appearances for Juventus, played 177matches for Italy and is one of only three players to take part in five World Cups, one of which he won in 2006. He has announced that he will call time on his illustrious career after a sixth World Cup in Russia.
Italy and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says he will retire at the end of the season unless his club wins the Champions League. He hopes to play in next summer’s World Cup and would extend his career for the Club World Cup if Juventus wins Europe’s elite trophy.
“I will try to make the next World Cup and then it may be time to close the door. It will almost certainly be at the end of the 2018 World Cup after winning the Gianni Brera award for Sportsman of the Year.
“The blame is divided equally among all of us. There must be no scapegoats, “We win together and we lose together.” He said
Buffon has won numerous titles with Juventus and is also the only goalkeeper to ever be awarded the UEFA Footballer of the Year award in 2003.
He could be heading for more silverware this season as Juve have won 11 straight series, a game to climb up to second on the table.
