Gianluigi Buffon opened up about his mental and physical health post-playing career, his role with the Italy national team and their mindset heading into Euro 2024 this summer.

The 46-year-old officially hung up his gloves at the end of last season, closing out a sentimental two-year spell with Parma and drawing a close to a historic 29-year playing career. Only days after retiring, he took on the role of team coordinator with the Azzurri, becoming the successor to the late Gianluca Vialli.

Luciano Spalletti’s Italy are gearing up for the upcoming European Championship in Germany, where they’ll face Spain, Croatia and Albania in Group B. The Azzurri have two final friendlies to play ahead of the tournament, facing Turkey on June 4th and Bosnia on June 9th.

Speaking to Stasera c’è Cattelan via TMW, Buffon first discussed his mental and physical health following the end of his playing career.

“I’ve practically done nothing physical nor athletic for nine months because I was probably fed up of sport. I need to rediscover a bit of hunger and desire to push myself physically.

“I think that in the next few months, I’ll try to settle down again, but not for now. It’s strange because for 30 years or more I’ve been training the same life and now I’ve reached a point of boredom and I want to have some motivation.”

The 46-year-old spoke about his role as team coordinator of the Azzurri.

“I’m head of the delegation, I don’t even control my own house, imagine what role I could fill! But I like the role, and it’s very fun.

“I act as a bit of a filter between the boys, the coach and the environment, and then I should act in place of the president when he’s not there. A role where when they speak their mind, you have to listen.”

He touched on how it feels to be the successor to Vialli.

“A great joy given that he was in this position even before Gigi Riva and I’m very happy because I had a close relationship with both of them.

“The idea of taking over from them was a source of pride, they were two iconic and mythical examples and characters for how they were as footballers and for how they were in life. Not wanting them to regret something makes me feel very responsible.”

Finally, Buffon discussed Italy’s mindset heading into this summer’s European Championship.

“They’re a group of serious, humble guys and I’m happy to be compete in the European Championship together with them. I’m convinced that no matter what happens, we won’t make a poor impression.”

Read more about Buffon

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