Gianluigi Buffon admits “this has been an emotionally complicated year” for his career, Italy and Juventus. “I haven’t figured out if I’m more strong or scummy. We’ll see.”
The Coppa Italia Final is in Rome on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
“It has certainly been an emotionally complicated year, that is undeniable, because it started too early to then have to strength to deal with everything that happened rationally,” said the goalkeeper in his Press conference.
Gianluigi Buffon admits “this has been an emotionally complicated year” for his career, Italy and Juventus. “I haven’t figured out if I’m more strong or scummy. We’ll see.”
The Coppa Italia Final is in Rome on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
“It has certainly been an emotionally complicated year, that is undeniable, because it started too early to then have to strength to deal with everything that happened rationally,” said the goalkeeper in his Press conference.
He turned 40 in January, Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup, Juventus went out of the Champions League and he has still not declared if he’ll retire in June.
“It started in November with a disappointment that would knock anyone for six (the World Cup play-off defeat to Sweden, ndr).
“Even recently, I would wake up every morning, look at myself in the mirror and then looking down at my feet say: either you are the strongest in the world or you are the most scummy, awful person in the world, because to stand here after everything that happened is not something everyone can handle.
“I still haven’t answered that question to myself. I still need to figure out if I am more strong or scummy. We’ll see.”
Did Buffon fear ending this season with no silverware at all?
“Of course, of course, because nobody gives you anything and nothing is easy, especially this year. The script seemed to be all set for some unexpected surprises, so we were always on high alert. If we think of what happened over the last two weeks in Serie A, now we are moderately confident, but I challenge anyone to feel like that at the 86th minute at San Siro.”
Juve were trailing 2-1 to 10-man Inter until two late goals, with the gap at the top of the Serie A table only one point from Napoli, but now the Bianconeri need just one point to take the title.
“I think Juve and I have the same type of strength, which is when we give off the feeling that we’re done for, we manage to get a game, a result and a season back on its feet. We’ve got nine lives, like cats.
“So let’s just say that the common denominator that has represented Juve, at least over the last seven years, has not been watered down.”
Buffon has still not confirmed if this will be his final season.
“I have nothing to add. We’ll talk in a few days, after I have met with the President (Andrea Agnelli).”
If he does hang up his gloves, his heir for Italy is expected to be Milan shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
“I think that certainly, deservedly, Gigio will be the reference point for Italian goalkeepers going forward, but also that there are many talents pushing their way through. I see Alex Meret, Emil Audero, the growth of Mattia Perin and the confirmation of the older Salvatore Sirigu and Emiliano Viviano, I think the school of Italian goalkeepers is still very reliable.”
There have been reports Buffon won’t accept a call-up to the Italy friendly against the Netherlands in Turin next month.
“At this moment I am focused on the Coppa Italia Final, so I’m not thinking about that. I certainly am not happy about the controversy.
“I have always based my life on pride and dignity, which unfortunately you either have or you don’t. This pride and dignity also probably pushed me to make many mistakes in my life, but I always took it on the chin and admitted responsibility, going forward with head held high.”
Finally, the captain was asked which opponent most stood out in his career.
“Happiness is made of good health and a bad memory. I’ve faced so many opponents that I couldn’t really create a list. You’ve got the likes of Leo Messi, Ronaldo and the other Ronaldo, plus many others I’ve taken on over the years.”