Gianluigi Buffon to Part Ways With Juventus But Not Retiring Yet

File picture of an emotional Gianluigi Buffon.

(Photo: AP)

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon has announced he is leaving the Italian club and considering playing elsewhere.

Buffon, who is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of all time, was expected to announce his retirement at a news conference at Allianz Stadium on Thursday.

Instead, while the 40-year-old Buffon says the Series A match against Hellas Verona on Saturday will be his last for Juventus, he has received offers to play elsewhere which have changed his mind about retiring.

Buffon shakes hands with Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo after the Champions League, round of 8, first-leg match between Juventus and Real Madrid at the Allianz stadium.(Photo: AP)

Buffon retired from the national team in November when Italy lost a World Cup playoff to Sweden but recently returned for friendlies. He was an integral member of the Italy squad that won the 2006 World Cup.

Buffon could bid the national team goodbye for good in a friendly on 4 June against the Netherlands at Allianz Stadium.

(On) Saturday I will play a match and that is the only thing that’s certain,

Buffon

The legend teared up at the start of the conference after an emotional tribute from Juventus president Andrea Agnelli.

"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 was proposed to me by Agnelli.

I’ll let these three days pass and then I will make a definitive decision, in complete calm, and which will be one that calls to my personality and my nature.

Buffon

Buffon made his debut with Parma in 1995, and has been at Juventus since 2001. He has ruled out moving to another Italian club or dropping down the divisions.

“I am not someone who thinks it is right to end my career in who knows what third or fourth level division,” Buffon added.

I am a competitive animal and I wouldn’t be able to live in that situation. I wouldn’t feel at ease.

Buffon

On Saturday, Buffon will make his 656th appearance for Juventus.

The captain's armband, which Buffon has worn since Alessandro Del Piero's departure in 2012, will be handed to another veteran, defender Giorgio Chiellini. Wojciech Szczesny will become Juve's first-choice goalkeeper from next season.

Buffon was also Italy captain until he retired from the national team in November when the Azzurri lost a World Cup playoff to Sweden.

He recently returned for friendlies and was expected to bid the national team goodbye for good in another friendly on June 4 against the Netherlands at Allianz Stadium after 176 appearances for Italy.

However, he insisted he has played his last match for his country and doesn't need a special swansong.

I don’t need other shows of affection, Italy already has great, young goalkeepers and its right they should get their own experience.

Gianluigi Buffon

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