Gigi Buffon celebrates his 40th birthday today and the Juventus captain admits he hasn’t decided if this is his final season. “The future is the least of my problems.”

You can read our extensive tribute to the living Azzurri legend as he marks this milestone.

Gigi Buffon celebrates his 40th birthday today and the Juventus captain admits he hasn’t decided if this is his final season. “The future is the least of my problems.”

You can read our extensive tribute to the living Azzurri legend as he marks this milestone.

“I was a midfielder for four or five years, then in 1990 it was love at first sight for Thomas N’Kono of Cameroon in the World Cup, so I became a goalkeeper,” explained SuperGigi to Che Tempo Che Fa.

“When you’re a child, these big characters really capture your imagination. I’ve had the best life a man can have, for a man who loves sport the way I do. Sport is really a training ground for life, so if you start early, I think it can also stop you going down the wrong path.”

He was asked if this would be his final year as a football player.

“I’ve been doing this for 25-28 years, so that’s a lot to look back on. I haven’t decided yet, because I need to meet the President. The future is the least of my problems.

“What I want is that we make the right choice, so I’m sure that with the aid of the President – someone who really cares for my well-being – and all of Juve, we’ll make the right decision for someone of my age and what could be my role in future.”

Due to a calf injury, Buffon has missed several games this season, meaning he cannot match Paolo Maldini’s all-time Serie A appearance record.

“At times it’s best not to force things. You should also know how to be happy with what you’ve got. I think I’ve had many records in my career and if this record were to remain with Paolo, I’d be happy, because he is someone who really deserves it.

“I like things to happen organically, otherwise you have to take a step back and be happy with what you’ve got, as I received so much already.”

Buffon also posted a video message on social media in which he hoped not to “let down the people who think so highly of me.” What did he mean by that?

“At times it is embarrassing to see the great respect people have for me. I don’t quite know what to do with that. This includes our French cousins, who have shown me so much affection and respect over the years, even though our countries have this rivalry.

“With the Nazionale, I do get a warm welcome everywhere. When I’m playing for Juve… we know that Juve are a team that divides people, so in certain historically hostile stadiums I don’t get quite such a warm welcome.”

When Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Coach Giampiero Ventura bailed on the post-match television interview, so Buffon took his place. His tears earned messages of support and love from all over the world.

“I have to say that is something that gave me great strength, because at times, aside from the whole Superman heroics cover, at the end of the day there is humanity and fragility. At times, a pat on the shoulder really can help you.”

He was also given a charming welcome from the crowd in London at the FIFA Awards last month, when he gave his speech in English.

“I thought it was only a sign of respect in an English theatre full of English people to speak their language. I could manage 20-25 words…”

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