Gianluigi Buffon to leave Juventus after 17-years with the club

Italian footballer and goalkeeper Gianluigi, Buffon, has announced he will leave Juventus at the end of the season after 17 years with the club.

The 40-year-old  star, who joined the club from Parma in 2001, revealed the news at a press conference in Allianz Stadium in Turin earlier today.

Buffon said: "Saturday will be my final match for Juventus and to end this journey with two cups and with the president and the entire Bianconeri world by my side, will be very special.

"I'm proud to have played to the best of my ability right up until now, with performances which befit both myself and this club. I make this decision in a calm and happy state of mind, which is not to be taken for granted for a sportsperson.

"If I feel as strong as I do at the age of 40, that is all thanks to Juventus and the mentality here. My own philosophy is built around that of the club and I shall continue to live my life in that way, as that's the only way I know to achieve results."

Despite retirement speculations,  the 40-year-old also disclosed that he might continue playing after receiving some "exciting" proposals.

"Up until 15 days ago, it was certain and well-known that I would stop playing," he said.
"Now I have received some proposals and exciting challenges, both on the field and off it. The most important for staying on the pitch was proposed to me by Agnelli.

"Over the next three days, full of emotion, I will after two or three days of reflection make a definitive decision. I'll try to follow whatever calls to my soul and my nature."

Buffon, who will play his last match on Saturday afternoon when Juventus host Verona at the Allianz Arena, won 17 trophies with the club.

This announcement comes months after he retired from international duty back in November 2017.