Buffon irreplaceable, say Juve Wednesday 29 November, 2006
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Juventus want Gianluigi Buffon to stay. “He is irreplaceable,” declared President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli.
The World Cup winner was one of the players who chose to remain with the Old Lady after demotion to Serie B, but he has not yet decided on what he will do at the end of the season.
Although he recently suggested that he would be prepared to commit his long-term future to the outfit, he did warn that he would need to be part of a highly competitive squad.
“We want Buffon to remain with us,” said Cobolli Gigli. “He is a player who cannot be replaced and we will do all we can to convince him to stay.
“He is asking for a competitive squad? I read his statements and I believe his opinion deserves all our respect. We will talk about this in the next few weeks,” added the Bianconeri chief.
“I am sure there will be plenty of motivation for him to stay, the promotion alone will be a morale booster.”
Buffon was yesterday linked with a switch to Inter who were apparently ready to offer Adriano in return for the ‘keeper.
In the meantime, the Turin outfit have suffered another injury blow after medical tests confirmed that Giuliano Giannichedda will be sidelined for another month.
The midfielder has only just recovered from a knee injury, but suffered a muscle strain in training which will keep him out for 30-35 days.
Channel 4