Gianluigi Buffon has assured that he still feels “important” for Juventus, despite his lack of game time this season.
Buffon was again back-up to Wojciech Szczesny on Saturday, when Juve’s seven-game winning streak came to an end during a 1-1 draw at Lecce.
The Bianconeri are still top of Serie A, however, as Inter followed up with a 2-2 draw against Parma at San Siro the same day.
“You might draw from time to time, but I think it’s also fine like this,” the veteran goalkeeper told Tiki Taka.
“The controversy arrives as soon as the best teams don’t win, but there’s also the other team and there are three different outcomes in football.”
The 41-year-old spent last season at Paris Saint-Germain, but he stands by his decision to return to Turin.
“I went to Paris because I couldn’t turn down the kind of sporting and economical offer they gave me at PSG.
“When you are 40 years old and a club this big comes in for you, it’s also flattering. I wanted to gain a new experience and step out of my comfort zone.
“One night when I was on my own I decided to return to Juve, asking myself: ‘At 41 years old, what am I doing here alone in Paris when my family is in Italy?’
“I forced PSG’s hand and when Juve made me their offer, that seemed the right choice so I accepted it immediately.
Reports have suggested that Buffon returned to finish his coaching badges and prepare himself for life after playing, but he denied he was looking further than the ongoing trophy hunt.
“Right now I’m in a psychological and physical condition where I still feel like an important player.
“I haven’t yet examined my own future and I also have the serenity to psychoanalyse and evaluate my own performances.
“When I realise I can’t play like I want, I will sit down with the club and tell them it’s over.”