We’re still pretty gutted that Gianluigi Buffon won’t be going to the World Cup this summer.
It’s been over a week since Italy fell to Sweden in the play-offs, meaning the legendary goalkeeper’s international career ends in heartbreaking circumstances.
Cue the waterworks.
In fact, the veteran shot-stopper was so distraught, he didn’t play for Juventus at the weekend – starting from the bench in their 3-2 defeat to Sampdoria.
But we’re pretty sure he’ll feature in their crunch Champions League clash against Barcelona on Wednesday.
Ivan Rakitic certainly hopes so.
Ahead of the big game in Turin, the Barca playmaker had some quite lovely things to say about Buffon – and even offered him his place at the World Cup.
The Croatia international said: “I can’t teach Buffon anything, everything he has given football is huge and it’s a pleasure to compete against him tomorrow.
“I would give up my place in the World Cup for him; when you see him crying, you want to cry too.
“A player like him cannot say goodbye like that.”
We feel you, Ivan. We feel you.
The words clearly moved Buffon, who responded to Rakitic on Twitter:
“Dear Rakitic, as a goalkeeper I might still play but playing for Croatia as a midfielder in your place might not be a great idea: I am saying it for your good sake.
“Joking apart, your words have been a great gift.”
Barca currently lead Juve by three points at the top of Group D, having comprehensively beaten the Serie A side 3-0 when they played them in September.
We know we say this every season, but wouldn’t it be nice if Gigi could win the Champions League this year?
Come on folks, make it happen!