'Buffon is the greatest goalkeeper of all time'

There were emotional scenes in Turin where iconic Italian keeper and nine-time Serie A winner Buffon, 40, farewelled Juve in Saturday's 2-1 victory over relegated Verona.

Buffon announced on Thursday that he would be calling time on his 17-year Juve career and the Italy international signed off in style, receiving an emotional standing ovation as he was substituted in the second half.

Linked with a move to French champions Paris Saint-Germain, Buffon hugged each of his Juve team-mates and several Verona opponents as he made way for Carlo Pinsoglio in the 63rd minute.

Barzagli, who shared a warm embrace with Buffon on the pitch, told 'Sky Sport Italia': "I don't know where he'll go, it's a surprise.

"He'll make the right choice. I have always told him everything and we have a great rapport. We'll miss him, he's a leader and the greatest goalkeeper of all time. He is a man who in the locker room lets everyone take a step up in quality.

"He never says anything without thinking it over and everyone listens.

 

19 May 2018

Fellow Juventus defender Mehdi Benatia added: "I am sad that the captain is leaving. I've played with many champions, but Gigi is special, both on and off the field. His departure really does leave a hole in Juventus."