Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has said he is close to agreeing a contract extension with the Serie A champions but is looking for a “short-term deal”.
Buffon and Juventus have been negotiating all season over extending his current deal with the I Bianconeri.
But the Italy keeper, who recently made his 100th appearance in European competition as Juve qualified top of their group for the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, revealed he may not be at Juve for much longer.
“We have to discuss the length, as I would like a short contract. I don’t want to take anyone’s money without deserving it.” he told juventus.com.
“I have had an important career, and I think I can continue for another two or three years if I maintain certain motivation and targets. It’s about self-esteem, too.”
The goalkeeper said he was delighted to see Antonio Conte back in the dugout, adding:
“Conte’s presence is very important, even before kick-off. He ensures nobody can step on to the field lacking concentration or motivation – it’s practically impossible with Antonio.
“We should have been more incisive with our attacks today, but winning is what counts and we achieved that.
“The conditions were not helpful. Believe me, it is not as easy as it looks to be a goalkeeper in the rain when there are very few scoring opportunities, as you have to stay sharp.”
Buffon will go down as one of the best goalkeepers ever. He has won everything in a fantastic career and replacing him will be a big challenge for Juventus. They have 19 year-old Nicola Leali waiting in the wings, who is rated as the best young goalkeeper in Europe, but as Man United have found. Replacing a top class veteran goalkeeper is extremely difficult.
