Former Italy goalkeeper and World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon has retired from football aged 45.
He wrote on social media: “That’s all folks. You gave me everything. I gave you everything. We did it together.”
Is it bad that I read the headline at first as saying that he died? I just dropped for a bit…
I’m knackered all the time at 40, amazing he’s managed to continue this long.
legendary goalkeeper, too bad about the fascism thing.
amazing career, shame that he sympathises with fascists
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Sad he didn’t manage to promote Parma in his last season. Legendary status for more than a decade
Legend
Insane career! Playing this long on a high level is truly unique. Didn’t always like the rough, defensive playstyle of the Italian national team but he will be remembered for sure
That’s a long career to look back on!
Heard a brilliant stat yesterday - the 2023/24 season will be the first season since 1932 which hasn’t had at least one of these players playing:
- Stanley Matthews (active 1932-1965)
- Peter Shilton (1966-1997)
- Gianluigi Buffon (1995-2023)
Obviously there was WW2 during Matthews’ time, but as he played both before and after the war, I think it counts.
What a wonderful career he had! Without a doubt, one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the game.