They don’t make ’em like this anymore, do they?
Gianluigi Buffon bid an emotional farewell to Juventus on Saturday, as he was subbed after 63 minutes in their 2-1 win over Hellas Verona.
The 40-year-old – who’s been at the club for 17 years – struggled to hold back the tears as he played out his final game for the Serie A champions.
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Earlier this week, Buffon announced to the world that he’d be leaving Juve at the end of the season – but won’t be retiring like we all thought.
So as you’d expect, there’s been plenty of speculation regarding his future ever since, with the likes of West Ham and Liverpool rumoured to be interested.
Before the game, Buffon met with a handful of supporters in the stands and exchanged hugs and kisses with a lucky few.
And just before kick-off, a gigantic tifo of his face was unveiled, leaving the shot-stopper looking a little overwhelmed during his warm-up.
He then took centre-stage on the 63rd minute when he was subbed off in place of back-up goalie Carlo Pinsoglio, with the score at 2-0.
Pinsoglio duly conceded just 10 minutes later, but Juve held on to win the final game of their title-winning season.
Meanwhile, Buffon did a lap of the stadium to shake hands with every fan he could find.
So where will be end up next season?
Speaking ahead of the match, Buffon refused to discuss his future, saying: “Saturday I will play a match and that is the only thing that’s certain.
“Until about two weeks ago, I was certain I would stop playing. Now offers have arrived that are exciting on and off the pitch and the most important for staying on the pitch was proposed to me by Agnelli.
“I’ll let these three days pass and then I will make a definitive decision, completely calmly.”
READ MORE:
- 7 utterly crackpot but weirdly pleasing next clubs for Gianlugi Buffon
- Gianluigi Buffon had the perfect debut as a 17-year-old in 1995
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