"As long as I have motivation and energy, it is right to continue playing". He has clear ideas about his future, because he is a champion like him he certainly cannot hang his shoes on a nail. At least for now. But did you know that he is the player who also boasts the record of appearances as captain of the Italian national team, as many as 80. Who are we talking about? But of him: Gianluigi Buffon than with his Juventus celebrated his tenth scudetto, the ninth in a row for the Turin team. A significant milestone in what is considered for the goalkeeper the year of the Serie A attendance record. But do you really know everything about him? Here are some curiosities about the goalkeeper that everyone loves.
The goalkeeper with a very high percentage of appearances in Serie A
Gianluigi Buffon is 42 years old and this year he reached the odds of 648 games in championship Serie A and deserved the title as a "player with the most appearances in Serie A history". This milestone arrived in the derby against Turin, overcoming Paolo Maldini who had the primacy up to that moment. Buffon left his team for a year to benefit Paris Saint-Germain. But on his return to Italy he still carved out an important space, playing 14 games, including the Italian Cup and the Champions League.
It is a point of reference for all players. Currently, ironically, he is deputy to Szczesny, the Juventus goalkeeper. And recently, after the milestone reached, he underlined on social media "648 is not a number but a whole life. A life with two gloves. A life between two poles. A life made up of many challenges. And the greatest challenge is yet to come 648 times thanks". And for this record he also wore a shirt with the number 648 on it.
The beginnings and the many successes in Gianluigi Buffon's long career
He was 17 when Buffon made his debut in Serie A. It was November 19, 1995 and he was playing against Milan; he was then Parma goalkeeper. And from there it has been a continuous success. He has achieved many records in this long career. Like the fact of not having conceded a goal for 974 consecutive minutes. And then he kept clean sheets 285 times in Serie A. And again the record of appearances in the Champions League for an Italian footballer, well 118. Buffon also played 480 with Juventus, beating Del Piero.
A point of reference for the national team
His debut in the national team took place on 29 October 1997, at the age of 19. And since he has been the holder of the jersey in the national team, Gianluigi Buffon soon became a point of reference also for the Azzurri group. In fact, he is the player with the most appearances in the national team among those of the top-5 European championships, 176 and 80 as captain of the national team. Since 1998 with the number 48 he is the goalkeeper with the most saves at the World Cup. And he was there too in 2006 when Italy won the World Cup.
He has participated in many competitions, always bringing success to his team and the national team. He doesn't want to stop because although many players at his age have already retired, he wants to continue to be one of the strongest goalkeepers in football history.. The best ever not only for the numerous Juventus fans but also for those who love the football.
The images are taken from the Facebook page "Gianluigi Buffon official"