Buffon: I’ll retire when…

Juventus’ Gigi Buffon says he won’t consider retirement until his Italian international career comes to an end.

“I’m 34 and that’s a lot for a footballer, but for my characteristics and my role, that’s not too many,” the goalkeeper stated.

“I’ll only think about retirement when I’m no longer called up to the national side.”

Buffon, winner of 113 caps, is still the Azzurri’s undisputed No 1 and he’s set to soon extend his contract in Turin.

“I’m been in Turin for 11 years, a third of my life,” said the man whose current deal expires in 2013. “I have to thank the club for making me the player I am today.”

Buffon joined Juve in 2001 for a massive £33m after some impressive campaigns at Parma. On Sunday, he won his latest Scudetto in Turin.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for the last six years,” he added. “This Scudetto is payback for the decisions which I made in the past.

“It was hard to go and play in Serie B [after Calciopoli demotion], but at the end of the day it has proved to be the right decision.”

Gigi