Juventus and Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon plans retirement in 2018By James Walker-Roberts
Last Updated: 26/01/16 9:42am
Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says he will "almost certainly" retire after the 2018 World Cup.The 37-year-old has made more than 550 appearances for Juventus and is one of only three players to take part in five World Cups, one of which he won in 2006.
And he has announced that he will call time on his illustrious career after a sixth World Cup in Russia.
"I will try to make the next World Cup and then it may be time to close the door. It will almost certainly be at the end of the 2018 World Cup," he said after winning the Gianni Brera award for Sportsman of the Year.Buffon has won numerous titles with Juventus and is also the only goalkeeper to ever be awarded the UEFA Footballer of the Year award in 2003.
He could be heading for more silverware this season as Juve have won 11 straight Serie A games to climb up to second in the table.
"Juventus are enjoying a great spell right now, and 11 straight wins do not occur if you are not at your best physically and mentally," he said.
"We have to be careful, because all runs must come to an end sooner or later. We must try and extend this form as long as possible, to put our bad run once and all behind us."
The veteran goalkeeper also singled out Paulo Dybala for praise after four goals in his last four league matches.
"He showed amazing things last year [for Palermo], but doing those same things in Juventus is not the same as in another club. It is really surprising, in such a short time he has taken over control of the team going forward."
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10143970/juventus-and-italy-legend-gianluigi-buffon-plans-retirement-in-2018
