There’s one more move in Gianluigi Buffon’s stellar career, so Football Italia Chief Correspondent Richard Hall looks at where he could go.
There are few who would begrudge Gigi Buffon one more season. The iconic goalkeeper decided not to renew with PSG this summer and instead wants to look for pastures new to ply his trade, even at his ripe old age. His agent has confirmed that he is looking through the many offers he already has, but it would be no surprise if he took his time. Despite his status as one of the best goalkeepers the world has ever seen, there are still reasons for him to be careful.
Gianluigi Buffon is in negotiations for a return to his first club, Parma, claims La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The 41-year-old goalkeeper is a free agent after turning down a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain.
He made 25 competitive appearances for the French champions, keeping nine clean sheets.
The shot-stopper hinted at a return to Italy and that does seem to be on the cards, with reported negotiations going on with Parma.
Atalanta President Antonio Percassi assures Josip Ilicic “and the best players will remain in Bergamo,” but Gigi Buffon won’t join them.
This has been an historic campaign for the Bergamo club, as they finished third in Serie A, qualified for the Champions League for the first time ever and reached the Coppa Italia Final.
Work also started on reconstructing the Stadio Azzurri d’Italia.
“A football club is still a business and that means planning is necessary,” Percassi told reporters at an awards event.
Gigi Buffon “has no intention of retiring and hasn’t made a decision. Aside from Juventus, he has Carrarese, Genoa and Lazio in his heart,” said his agent after quitting PSG.
The goalkeeper announced today he had been offered a contract extension by Paris Saint-Germain, but turned it down, as he wanted a return to Italy after just one year in France.
Gianluigi Buffon will not remain at Paris Saint-Germain for the 2019-20 season, confirmed the club. “My adventure outside Italy comes to an end.”
The former Parma and Juventus star had tried out a new experience in Ligue 1 at the age of 40, but will not extend the contract that expires on June 30.
“Following joint discussions, Paris Saint-Germain and Gianluigi Buffon have agreed to not renew the legendary goalkeeper's contract which expires on 30 June 2019,” read a statement.
Mario Balotelli was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle during what was probably his last game for Olympique Marseille.
The Italy international had only come on as a substitute against Montpellier 29 minutes earlier when he lunged in from behind at defender Daniel Congré.
It was two-footed, it was high and it caught his opponent’s leg in a scissor motion.
This was his fourth red card since joining Ligue 1 in 2016-17, playing for OGC Nice and since January Marseille.
Gianluigi Buffon confirms Paris Saint-Germain “offered me a renewal and we’ll meet to understand if we both consider it right to go forward.”
There have been multiple reports over the last few weeks that PSG had decided to part company with the Italy international after just one season.
“The club offered me a renewal and this makes me really very happy. It’s very gratifying,” Buffon told Sky Uno chat show ‘E poi c’e Cattelan.’
Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly preparing a €50m bid for Gianluigi Donnarumma, if Milan fail to qualify for the Champions League.
According to newspaper La Repubblica, if the Rossoneri finish outside the top four in Serie A, they will be forced into selling off their most prized asset to help fall in line with Financial Fair Play rules.
The goalkeeper’s agent Mino Raiola may have been recently issued with a worldwide ban from brokering transfers by FIFA, but has an excellent working relationship with both clubs.
If PSG don’t renew his contract, Gianluigi Buffon is prepared to play on elsewhere, as long as they’re in the Champions League, it’s reported.
The goalkeeper turned 41 in January and has impressed during his debut season in Ligue 1.
After Coach Thomas Tuchel expressed frustration at the uncertainty caused by having dual first choice goalkeepers, Buffon and Alphonse Areola, rumours grew that Buffon would be let go this summer.
Gianluigi Buffon could reportedly decide against a new PSG contract, so he could return to Juventus as a club director.
According to SportMediaset, the 41-year-old goalkeeper is considering his options as we come towards the end of this season.
While a few months ago there were rumours he was negotiating a new and extended deal with Paris Saint-Germain, now it’s suggested he is ready to hang up his gloves after one year in France.
His agent Silvano Martina will reportedly be in Paris next week to discuss the situation with player and club.
