There will be no early retirement for Gianluigi Buffon, as the legendary shot-stopper agreed to extend his contract with Juventus until the conclusion of the 2017-2018 season.
In a press conference held on Wednesday, Juventus' president Giovanni Agnelli revealed that the goalkeeper will guard the bianconeri net until he turns 40 years old, just like legendary goalie Dino Zoff did three decades ago.
Visibly moved and happy, Buffon shared his views on how he intends to keep playing with La Vecchia Signora for the next two years, after some journalists thought they had seem him making saves for Juventus for the last time.
.@gianluigibuffon: "I'm immensely proud in the faith Juventus have placed in me once more." #Buffon2018 pic.twitter.com/IyhfzAd2dh
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) May 11, 2016
After reaching the UEFA Champions League final last year, Juventus seemed to be on the wrong track for the first half of the season, but a winning streak brought them back and ended up with La Vecchia Signora winning a fifth-straight Scudetto. President Agnelli praised his goalkeeper's role during that run, moments after revealing his contract extension.
Agnelli: "Having @gianluigibuffon in our squad is a true privilege. He is so important for us on and off the field."
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) May 11, 2016
With this deal, Buffon's stint with Juventus will be extended to 17 seasons, including the 2006-2007 campaign, which saw the bianconeri playing Serie B football due to the Calciopoli scandal.
Here's how the team's Twitter feed celebrated "Il Cap1tano's" new deal.
Two more years together? Oh yes! #Buffon2018 #Barzagli2018 pic.twitter.com/irUkBKKvcg
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) May 11, 2016
During the press conference, the club announced that defender Andrea Barzagli will be granted a contract extension for the same time as Buffon.
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