Buffon: 'How far Juve have come'

Gigi Buffon reveals the key to his focus against Celtic and looks back over how far Juventus have come in 15 months.

“It was a wonderful evening and I was happy the team played as a unit, especially early on when we were under pressure,” the goalkeeper told Mediaset after a 2-0 victory.

“We cared a great deal about this match, as we are still unbeaten in the Champions League and wanted to keep the clean sheets going too, so there was a lot riding on it.

“Many times I have to answer questions like ‘how can you not get bored’ or ‘you only had one save to make,’ but that’s the toughest part is keeping concentrated for 90 minutes.

“Also, nobody gives credit to passes and catches, as they only notice them when they go wrong! It’s my way of giving the team confidence and of course of keeping myself in the game.

“At this stage of my career, I don’t want any regrets, so it is my duty at my age to keep my teammates focused and give advice.”

Juventus are through to the Champions League quarter-finals and emerging as dark horses after five straight wins.

“It feels great to be back in the quarter-finals, especially as we couldn’t have expected this 15 months ago. When you work hard, believe in what you do and dream, then sport can reward you,” continued Buffon.

“If we think that 15 months ago we finished seventh for the second year running, but now we have won the Scudetto, Super Cup and are in the top eight in Europe, we’ve come a long way. We earned all that with hard work and dedication.

“We know there are three or four teams stronger than us, but we do have some certainties to rely on and can trouble even the most fearsome opponent.

“The important thing this year was for Juve to win back the respect of other teams and I’d say we achieved that.”