Buffon pens new Juve deal Wednesday 12 March, 2008
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Gianluigi Buffon has pledged his future to Juventus by extending his contract until 2013 and sent a message to the fans.
The goalkeeper was one of the first to announce he was standing by the Bianconeri when they were relegated into Serie B due to the Calciopoli scandal.
In 2007 he extended his contract until 2012, but has now further solidified that relationship by penning a new deal that expires on June 30, 2013.
“I will play for Juventus until the age of 35 and so we can have many more satisfying times together,” said Buffon.
“I thank the directors and fans for the affection and respect they have shown me.”
By the time the contract expires, Buffon will have been at Juve for 12 seasons and is already promised the captain’s armband after Alessandro Del Piero retires.
“We are tied to Buffon by a great synchronicity in terms of values and a future vision of Juventus,” explained general manager Jean Claude Blanc.
“We share a common vision of plans and objectives. This agreement is a way to underline the confidence of a player who is decisive for our present and our future.”
However, there was bad news for Tiago Mendes, who was set to take on a key role in the Juve midfield following Cristiano Zanetti’s thigh strain.
He pulled up in training today and was suffering from blisters on his feet and is now in doubt for the match with Napoli.
Tiago has only made 13 appearances this season and is yet to score.
Channel 4