Gianluigi Buffon could extend his contract with Juventus until 2022, which means he may still be playing top football at the age of 44.
The legendary stopper originally signed for the Old Lady in 2001 and spent 17 years at the club, before taking a sabbatical at Paris Saint-Germain. He returned to Juventus in 2019 and has since proven to be a seasoned assistant to first-choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, making 18 appearances in all competitions.
His current contract will expire at the end of the season, but according to Corriere Torino (via Luca Fioretti) he may soon write new terms. Buffon is said to be feeling fit, both physically and mentally, and there are few complaints from Juventus’ perspective as well.
He has appeared in Serie A four times this season, registering an impressive 89% save percentage in that span, while keeping two clean sheets.
Over the course of his rich career, the 42-year-old has won almost every honor he has had, including the World Cup, ten Scudetti and the UEFA Cup in 1999. The trophy that has continued to elude him is the League of champions. He almost ended this drought on several occasions, losing three finals in 2003, 2015 and 2017.
There are serious question marks over whether his luck will change this year with Juventus having a test start to the season. Andrea Pirlo’s side are currently in fourth place in Serie A, seven points behind surprise leaders Milan with one game underway. They were also completely outclassed in the recent Derby d’Italia, with Inter running out of comfortable 2-0 winners.
I lamented Juventus’ defeat to Inter, Frank Costanza style, with a broadcast of grievances for @ 90min_Football https://t.co/TqFcNspD7P pic.twitter.com/v7gAyex39y
– Jack Gallagher (@calciolovesjack) January 18, 2021
They at least received a fairly straightforward European draw. FC Porto will be their opponents in the round of 16 of the Champions League next month.
