Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon says he would relish the opportunity to become Italy's captain under Cesare Prandelli.
The 32-year-old underwent surgery yesterday to repair a back injury he suffered at the World Cup.
He will be sidelined until December at the earliest.
Last week, Prandelli intimated that he would like Buffon to be his captain at Euro 2012.
When asked for his reaction, Buffon said: “For me it represents the maximum that a player can aspire to.
“When you pull on that shirt you do it for every inhabitant that populates Italy: it's a burden but also an honour.
“I have always had Prandelli as an opponent since my time in the youth team and already then you knew that he had an exceptional relationship with his players.
“Prandelli is someone who is very prepared, who always accepts the exchange of ideas with the team ad never removes himself from having a relationship with his players.
“I have always thought that this is an important requirement because the Coach must be part of the group.”
Buffon then reflected on his injury and Italy's exit from the World Cup, calling it a 'great disappointment'.
“It's very bad for a player of my calibre to have to abandon such a competition. I would have been able to give a hand to a group in difficulty.”
Finally, Buffon gave his opinion of Juventus who are in the grips of a rebuilding process.
“A new cycle has already started at Juventus: I will arrive in a little while to give my contribution, but it's important that everyone works at their best for the black and white cause.
“I have a contract until 2013, so there isn't any kind of problem.
“Both Alex Manninger and Marco Storari have great experience. They have always done very well when they have played: I am convinced that they will not make my absence felt.”
FI
The 32-year-old underwent surgery yesterday to repair a back injury he suffered at the World Cup.
He will be sidelined until December at the earliest.
Last week, Prandelli intimated that he would like Buffon to be his captain at Euro 2012.
When asked for his reaction, Buffon said: “For me it represents the maximum that a player can aspire to.
“When you pull on that shirt you do it for every inhabitant that populates Italy: it's a burden but also an honour.
“I have always had Prandelli as an opponent since my time in the youth team and already then you knew that he had an exceptional relationship with his players.
“Prandelli is someone who is very prepared, who always accepts the exchange of ideas with the team ad never removes himself from having a relationship with his players.
“I have always thought that this is an important requirement because the Coach must be part of the group.”
Buffon then reflected on his injury and Italy's exit from the World Cup, calling it a 'great disappointment'.
“It's very bad for a player of my calibre to have to abandon such a competition. I would have been able to give a hand to a group in difficulty.”
Finally, Buffon gave his opinion of Juventus who are in the grips of a rebuilding process.
“A new cycle has already started at Juventus: I will arrive in a little while to give my contribution, but it's important that everyone works at their best for the black and white cause.
“I have a contract until 2013, so there isn't any kind of problem.
“Both Alex Manninger and Marco Storari have great experience. They have always done very well when they have played: I am convinced that they will not make my absence felt.”
FI
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