Juventus legend Buffon reveals the biggest mistake of his long career
Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon has opened up about his mistakes and regrets during his 27-year career to date.
In an interview with Bobo TV, Buffon who currently plays for Serie B side Parma revealed that leaving PSG in 2019 after only one season was his biggest mistake.
“It was the most beautiful experience in my life and leaving was my biggest mistake,”
he admitted.
“I gave up €10m. They wanted to play Alphonse Areola and I couldn’t accept it. [Being second-choice keeper] is something I would only accept at Juventus, that’s what I did but it was also difficult.
“My sons are still asking me why we left Paris. I felt like a free man there. I went to museums, spoke French…and I think I’ll never see the same quality again,” continued the goalkeeper.”
Buffon also admitted that his mistake with PSG shirt against Manchester United in the Champions League round of 16 with is his biggest regret.
“Their rondos were stunning. What they lacked, however, was the Juventus attitude because the team was so strong. The game against Manchester United is the biggest regret of my career. In Paris, I understood how strong Marco Verratti is. I hadn’t realised he was so special.”
The former Italy international was also asked about working with Thomas Tuchel at PSG.
“I haven’t met many people as smart as him. He is able to create empathy in the dressing room,”
admitted Buffon.
Buffon returned to Juventus in 2019, and they won the Serie A title under Maurizio Sarri, but the Italian coach was sacked after just one year at the club.
“I know what didn’t work and I said so to whoever was in charge,”
admitted Buffon.
“Unfortunately, sometimes you need to defend certain choices and make enemies for yourself. I think the coach was almost immediately left depending on the results. We still talk to each other, I have nice memories. I tried to help him. Something didn’t but it could have worked.”
Buffon also said he had offers from Barcelona and Roma before joining Juventus in 2001. He played in 685 matches for Juventus.
“Juventus are the team that helped me reach certain levels. It’s the best choice I could make,”
he said.
“My father and my agent convinced me to make that choice. Roma and Barcelona were also interested and I was about to join Barcelona. I had to settle in for five or six months in Turin but the mentality and the professionalism at Juventus are something I’ve never seen in my life.”
The 45-year-old Buffon also spoke about Juventus’ season, and working with Max Allegri.
“I believe the whole thing has made the players feel they are facing an injustice, so they are trying to challenge it,”
said Buffon.
“The coach is not someone training Catenaccio. He gives freedom to his players. He tells the basic things, but then it’s up to them. A player like Neymar would love someone like him. Being defensive has always been our characteristic, we struggled when we had to offer something more, but when we played big games, performances were always excellent. I listened to him [Allegri] on Sunday [after the win over Inter] and I liked him. He is one of the few out there who never complains, he never looks for excuses, contrary to others and it makes the whole environment ealthier.”
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