Gianluigi Buffon, the legendary Italian goalkeeper, has officially bid farewell to football, marking the end of an extraordinary 28-year career that has left an indelible mark on the sport.
In a heartfelt video announcement, the 45-year-old icon shared his decision to retire, bringing an emotional conclusion to a remarkable journey.
Buffon’s announcement came as no surprise, with rumors circulating over the past 48 hours about his decision to hang up his gloves, even though his contract with Parma was set to run until June 2024.
In his touching video, Buffon expressed his gratitude to the sport and its fans, saying, “That’s all folks! You gave me everything, and I gave you everything. We did it together.”
Buffon’s list of accomplishments is awe-inspiring, with a prominent role in Italy’s historic World Cup triumph in 2006, cementing his status as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport.
Throughout his career, Buffon shattered numerous records at both club and international levels.
His impressive tally of Serie A appearances, unbeaten streaks in the top-flight, and Italy caps are just a few of the remarkable records that will forever be etched in the annals of football history.