Gianluigi Buffon: “The decision to stay at Juventus was idealistic”

Italy's best goalkeeper thickens the fog of rumors about his divorce from “Old Signora” in an interview with Paolo Forkolin, La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist.

- The decision has already been made?

- Not. It must be collaborative. Let's get it all together: me, my agent Silvano Martina and the club representatives. We’ll talk, we’ll discuss everything. And then let’s inform about the decision.

- It'll be hard?

- Highly. This topic has not been out of my mind for a month. But, of course, the decision will be balanced. In this sense, every past day helps him.

- What will affect your “yes” or “no”?

- Much. For example, the location of our typhoses, which they show me every day. You can’t just pretend that there’s nothing of this. Then, of course, the incentives and my desire to review them.

- If you still have to say: “That's it, I'm leaving,” - will a decision in favor of an Italian club or a foreign one be more likely?

- Looking around, I do not see outside of Italy large teams that need me.

- Let's see together.

- In England, if you take Chelsea, Cech plays great. It seems to me that all other clubs there are goalkeepers of this level and, above all, they do not need cost. And then, England, for me, is a bit boring country. To her, I think, it will be difficult to adapt.

- Spain?

- “Barcelona” and “Real” are pretty well provided with goalkeepers. Do you think they could really spend so much on me? So, even Juve can pay me very well.

- It remains Italy. Simply put - Milan and Inter.

- “Milan” has just renewed the contract with Dida. Inter, say, does not feel an urgent need for me, taking into account how excellently Julio Cesar performs this season.

- In this case, you run the risk of remaining unemployed next season ...

- May be. But I do not believe in it. Nevertheless, if you look seriously at the situation, then only in Italy are there clubs today who are ready to accept the financial conditions that Juventus can put forward when parting with me.

- The new club will have to pay you. And a lot.

- It is not important. Getting 100 or 102 doesn’t change anything. This is not what makes my heart hurt.

“Then what?”

- I’m very lucky in life. I won almost everything in football, including the World Cup. Three times the Italian Super Cup lifted above his head, in my asset three scudetto, UEFA Cup, Italian Cup. But I never managed to win the Champions League. This is what my display case really lacks.

- So what motive will prevail when choosing a club to pursue a career?

- The desire to play her last five years at the highest level, which will cut down what I have not received yet.

- Who will win the Champions League this year?

- I give three against one that it will be a team from England. And this is a sign that the football pole has shifted towards the English Premier League. And look at Spain: the same thing, three out of four semi-finalists in the UEFA Cup. We are only in third place in Europe. And who will win the League? "Liverpool".

- Having omitted the World Cup, which of the trophies will you name the most expensive?

- Many. UEFA Cup with Parma. European Championship among youth teams. Three scudetto with Juventus, especially the fantastic, won only in the last round on May 5, 2002.

- And taken away last summer?

- We also brilliantly noted him ...

- Who will be in Serie A with you?

- Napoli has more strength left for the finish spurt. But Genoa is stronger. They are found only in the last round. But it seems to me that the hunt for the second ticket will end earlier.

- Do you believe in the massive strengthening of Juve for the next season?

- Of course, the club has such a desire. But we must take into account that last year, not two people left the team, but seven to eight players of the highest level. Under such circumstances, it will be very difficult for Juventus to win a scudetto right away. This will require very strong players. But do they really exist on the market in the right quantity? Of course not. Unless Juventus pays 20-25 million euros each.

- Can Inter win this year inspire Milanese to new victories?

- I think yes. The club has not only world-class players, but also a very talented youth. For example, Maicon and Maxwell, who will surprise many more.

- Are you disappointed that Italy missed the opportunity to host the European Championship?

- This is a retribution for arrogance.

- Many Juve fans continue to thank you for staying with the team in Serie B.

- Let's say that the decision was idealistic. The following will be more practical.

Translation by George BYCHKOV


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