Former Italy goalkeeper and World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon has retired from football aged 45.
He wrote on social media: “That’s all folks. You gave me everything. I gave you everything. We did it together.”
Is it bad that I read the headline at first as saying that he died? I just dropped for a bit…
I’m knackered all the time at 40, amazing he’s managed to continue this long.
legendary goalkeeper, too bad about the fascism thing.
Absolute legend of a player. One of the greatest goalkeepers of all time
amazing career, shame that he sympathises with fascists
Legend
Sad he didn’t manage to promote Parma in his last season. Legendary status for more than a decade
Insane career! Playing this long on a high level is truly unique. Didn’t always like the rough, defensive playstyle of the Italian national team but he will be remembered for sure
That’s a long career to look back on!
Heard a brilliant stat yesterday - the 2023/24 season will be the first season since 1932 which hasn’t had at least one of these players playing:
- Stanley Matthews (active 1932-1965)
- Peter Shilton (1966-1997)
- Gianluigi Buffon (1995-2023)
Obviously there was WW2 during Matthews’ time, but as he played both before and after the war, I think it counts.
What a wonderful career he had! Without a doubt, one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the game.
