Juventus has completed their fourth straight domestic double, and now the news around the team has shifted to the possible retirement of legendary goalie, Gianluigi Buffon. The Juventus and Italy hero has spoken to Gerard Pique of Barcelona through the Player's Tribune website, where he discussed an array of topics. Here are some of his words from the interview:
ON FOOTBALL CHANGING DURING HIS CAREER:
"It has been a good change for me, a just change, because football has improved. It is more exciting and less time is wasted. I also think that, personally, it has made me improve, because all goalkeepers have to play more with their feet and play differently. You have to be able to kick and move out to the field. It’s a more complicated job than before. It is better for me, because I’m 40 and I’m still playing, because I like to compete and to improve."
ON HIS POSSIBLE RETIREMENT:
"No surprises. I think that at my age you have to evaluate the situation a month, a week, at a time. Because it is important for athletes like you and me, who have always played at the top, to be doing our best, struggling to be the best, to stay at the top. You have to be physically well, because you don’t want poor results for the sake of your pride. I’m Buffon, and that is who I want to be till the last minute. And when I’m not myself anymore, I’ll go. In a couple of months, I’ll meet with the president and we’ll evaluate the situation calmly. I’m very happy at the moment. I’m happy playing, because I love the atmosphere — I’m with my friends and I know I can help on the pitch. The day I can’t, no problem. I’ve had a great career anyway."
ON HIS POST RETIREMENT CAREER:
"I would be dishonest if I told you I’m not afraid. But deep down I feel calm and at peace because I know I’m naturally curious. And the day I stop playing football I will find a way not to get bored and I’ll stay busy. After all, players like us, who have lived the game intensely, have to keep their minds occupied and have a reason to get up, something to fight for. I’ll never get bored or miss being in the public eye. The only problem is that my life has been organised for me for 23 years. Every morning you are given a timetable. But when you have 24 hours ahead of you with nothing to do, that could be a problem.
I’d like to take courses to become a director, a manager or a trainer, and then choose an option without rushing."
