Buffon: 'Verratti and Balotelli for Italy'
By Football Italia staff
Gigi Buffon trusts Marco Verratti and Mario Balotelli have a bright future ahead of them for the Italy squad and looked back over his career.
The Azzurri and Juventus captain spoke to French newspaper L’Equipe. You can read the rest of it here.
“I have met few lads as genuinely nice as Mario,” said Buffon of the OGC Nice striker.
“I get angry when I hear people speaking ill of him, because he is truly a guy with a heart of gold. He is generous, young and everyone loves him. He’s only 26 years old and can play for another 10 years.
“As for Verratti, he’s an incredible talent. He started his season at Paris Saint-Germain on shaky ground because of his injury, which made him miss Euro 2016, but he’s getting back to his level now. If he doesn’t start every Italy game, it’s just because there’s a certain Daniele De Rossi there too.
“I think Verratti will become the leader and captain of Italy in future. In fact, I’m certain of it. I hope to be at the 2018 World Cup with him.”
Buffon will be 40 years old when that tournament takes place in Russia.
“When I look back over my past and think of my Serie A debut, I realise how far I’ve come. Who knew I’d have reached this level of my career?
“Physically I am actually in better shape than in previous years, but the difference is in the mind. Motivation keeps me going. If I had to think of the sacrifices to be made, it’d kill me psychologically.
“It’s easy to prepare for big games, but keeping your concentration in the fixtures that on paper aren’t as difficult is where the real problem lies.
“The same goes for staying at one club for 20 years. It’s a real strain to see the same people and places every day. Routine is the opponent you need to defeat, enthusiasm is the trophy you must find to feel fulfilled.
“Changing a club every three years is easy, but I didn’t do it because I built my career on certain values, including a sense of belonging and gratitude. Having said that, if Juventus weren’t a top club, I probably wouldn’t have remained for 20 years.”
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