Gianluigi Buffon (75 Viewers)
- Thread starter Maresca
- Start date
Welcome back, Gigi. How did you feel when you put on your gloves and took your place between the posts?
I first put my gloves back on around a month ago, so a while before I played my first game. Of course it was a bit emotional, even if I was training far from Vinovo, I was often at Isokinetic. Putting on the gloves was a significant moment, and it restored my self confidence and hope.
Were you ever worried? Worried that you wouldn’t be able return, or be as good as before, given the risks involved in the operation you had…
More than worried. I always take every injury I have incredibly seriously. And I’ve had many of them. As I always say, when a person has a job as fortunate as mine, occasionally you have to pay a price, and I think, from that point of view, I’ve certainly paid. But I believe in fate and I believe that if there’s a problem, you can find a solution. If not, it wouldn’t be a problem.
How were the days in physiotherapy and working in the gym after your injury?
I had to live without thinking about it too much because, obviously, being out for six to seven months is not easy for someone like me. But I’ve already had that experience before the World Cup in 2006 when I was out with a shoulder injury for five months. On that occasion, I spent all my time recovering with the squad and I suffered more. It’s inevitable that being surrounded by my team mates, you’ll hear them speaking about the game and unfortunately I was still injured and couldn’t be as involved as they were. I find that very difficult to deal with.
So it’s because of this you’ve stayed away from the training ground?
Yes, this time I managed the situation in a different way, and my return to action was more gradual.
Has the team changed much since you’ve been out of action?
The side in May was undoubtedly the Juventus that fell at every hurdle. A Juventus that had flattered to deceive in every way, because the last few games were disappointing for those who can remember the true Juventus. I think that was definitely our lowest point.
And what about today’s Juventus?
It’s a Juventus that’s made up of lots of young players, with many Italians, some champions, some talented players, other guys who want to make it big. If we work in the right fashion and have a bit of luck, we’ll be able to have a great season because up until three, four Sunday’s ago we hadn’t lost two games in succession. We finally got it right against Bari and hope to continue moving forward.
What do you think Juventus can achieve? The title, a place in the Champions League…
Of course there are a couple of teams in a better position than us, but that’s no secret. Obviously we can’t get ahead of ourselves, nor think that we’re already beaten. A team like ours must always play every match, knowing that we’re an excellent side which can continue to grow. But it’s vital that we don’t return to the lows of last year. That’s something I strongly believe in.
Who’s the favourite for the title?
The favourite? For me the strongest squad is Inter’s. Definitely. But the favourites are Milan because they started better than Inter, and because in my opinion they had a tough three or four months due to injuries.
You’ve said: During the time I was out many have spoken about me, but I’m staying quiet. Well I would like you to know what has been said about you, and get your opinion. Starting from: “Buffon was upset because Storari was bought before he got injured, so he knows that the club are intending to sell him”. True or false?
It couldn’t be further from the truth. Last June, I met the new sporting director, Marotta, to find out his visions for the club and if they wanted me to stay. He assured me that I was a key part of the team and they’d like me to stay at the club. And then, of course, when I got injured they needed a goalkeeper.
Moving on: “Buffon was upset that his goalkeeping coach and personal trainer Alessandro Nista did not have his contract renewed for this season”.
No, I can say that this kind of move is common, especially when a new manager, like Del Neri, arrives with his personal staff. And then things adapt to the new management. But that’s the right of the club.
More: “The relationships within the club are strained. Buffon is no longer at the centre of proceedings, as he was before”.
These kind of things should be asked to the club. As far as I’m concerned, I spoke to Andrea Agnelli, to Marotta and to Del Neri, and I felt assured that I remained important to the club.
Do you think that there are strained relationships within the club?
No. I hear this often, also as far as our manager is concerned, but I spoke a lot to the manager and it’s something we find funny. If I had a strained relationship with someone, I wouldn’t talk to them.
One more: “Buffon earns too much money, the club has to sell him”
What can I say? This is another subject to discuss with the club. I can’t give an answer. I don’t know if this can be a problem or not. Of course, I think that players are lucky because we earn a lot, but on the other hand there are certain players for whom it’s justified to earn that amount.
You were given a great reception when you returned. How did it make you feel?
It was one of the most touching moments in my 10 years as a Juventus player. Having been out for seven months, you never know how the supporters will react when they see you again. It’s obvious that there was a show of unconditional love towards me by them, it was something that really touched me, it can’t be denied.
Last Sunday, the whole crowd gave Marco Storari a standing ovation, who replaced you during your absence, you were also spotted applauding him. How do you get on with him?
Very well because he’s the kind of guy who you can talk to, work with and have a joke with. Therefore, I think that he’s also similar to me. In 17 years of playing football I think I’ve got on well with almost all of my team mates.
What would you suggest to Storari? Should he stay or should he go?
Marco should do what he wants to do. He’s old enough to make that decision. Having spoken to him, it’s clear that he’s enjoying life at Juve, and having done a very good job, as he did, and having created a good rapport with his team mates and supporters. But he’s an ambitious guy, a guy who probably, now that he is 33 or 34 feels at the peak of his maturity and he’d probably like to continue playing. These, in my opinion, are more than understandable reasons. But it’s also true, you know, that Juve is always Juve and leaving them is always hard.
Del Neri clarified the meaning of his quotes about you and Storari that he said a month ago. I’ll ask you what did you think when you heard those words and, did you speak to him after the press conference?
To be honest, I didn’t hear what was said. Obviously, eighty thousand people the day after let me know. Of course, when on two or three newspapers you’re all over the headlines with this news, it’s not great. But to be honest, the day after, our manager immediately took me aside in the locker room and explained the reasons behind what he said. He also explained how the journalists twisted his words. I hope that this was a sign of respect towards Storari and that it was right to say that. I’ve always had to earn my place in the team when I’ve been fit and even when haven’t been in top condition. When I’m not feeling my best, it’s right that someone else is selected.
You became captain of the national side practically when you were on the treatment table, do you feel you owe anything to Prandelli?
Surely to thank him, it’s the least I can do. At that time I wasn’t feeling my best, both physically and psychologically, because it was a difficult operation that I underwent. But knowing that there’s a person, the manager of the national team, who values you is something that gives you the strength, that raises your spirits and gives you the will to recover as soon as possible. You know that someone is waiting for you and you know that for some years, hopefully, there will be important targets, for which it’s essential to be in good condition and have the hunger for success. I thought that perhaps my time with the national team wasn’t quite over and that people still had great confidence in my ability. When people expect great things of me I want to fulfill them.
In a few days you will be 33. Do you feel that you’re entering a second phase of your career, with the injury as the bridge?
Well, second phase… I think I’ve had different phases in my career. Joining Juventus from Parma ten years ago was inevitably a second phase. In Parma I was the rising star, I was that guy who certainly had already done wonderful things. At Juve, instead I had to fight for my place in a great team, in a great reality and all this happened. And then we won the World Cup in 2006, then Serie B after only one month, returning to Serie A, the rebirth of Juventus, hitting 30, then the injury, and now I’m 33… you could say my career has been characterized by many different important phases.
How long would like to continue playing?
I want to play as long as I’m in the national team, of course, and if I can stay in the national team for more than two years - it would be great to play in the next World Cup - and then if I’m no longer called up, well I may think about calling it a day. But sure, the national squad will have a big impact on how long I keep playing for.
Is there something that rediscovered about yourself, I mean in the positive sense, during your months spent leading a different life, away from the pitch on Sundays without football?
You see, a great fear affecting people like us daily involved with such an intense way of life is that of retirement and being under pressure. Saying, “Oh, who knows if at home I will be able to lead a normal life, like a normal person, when my wife and my children…” is one of my fears. I have to say that I addressed the situation and have resolved that the family that I’ve built up with my wife… to chose a woman like her… well, it’s right because even when we spend a lot of time with each other, we don’t get bored, we get on well together. This is very important.
So your family was very important throughout your injury: Alena, your parents…
Yes, they’ve been great. I can’t deny it, when you have such problems, when your heart and your pride are involved, you always need the people closest to you, you know that they’ll never betray you. Such as my parents, my sisters, my wife, my children and those two or three friends that I have.
In your opinion, do you think Del Piero should play for Juventus next season?
I think that Ale will still play for Juventus and above all he’ll always have a key role. His role is on the pitch because he’s still sharp, but also away from the field, he’d be able to show younger players what Juve’s all about, what these guys need to understand. Because, when I arrived here 10 years ago, if I hadn’t had examples to follow such as Antonio Conte, Ciro Ferrara and Paolo Montero, my integration into the side would have been harder. Instead, thanks to these people who had years of experience at Juventus, my life was made much easier.
You and Del Piero feel a bit like two pandas who are going to be made extinct. You are the last players remaining from the World Cup champions who decided to stay in Serie B, you are the last figure heads…
Pandas, of course, so we can stay in the world of Fiat… But I think that between Del Piero and I and also in some other cases like Totti or Materazzi at Inter, or Zanetti, there are so many players who did make and are still making history at their clubs. Obviously, you hear people often saying that main figures don’t exist, but it’s not true. I think they do. And then, sometimes, it’s due to football being more business oriented. But sometimes, not because it depends only on players, but on the willingness of many people, the management included. Therefore, the fact that no main figure heads exist doesn’t depend only on the player. I think that it depends on the football world in general, which has changed.
And this applies to you too?
No, I hope not. I hope to be able to finish my career at Juventus.
Next year, Buffon will play at Juventus?
I don’t see a reason why not. I think I will. Today the will to continue is still there, also because I only played two matches, I wish to participate in fifteen more to have a bit more clarity. So, this is what I’m aiming for. Then it’s in the lap of the gods and all you can do is be patient. But I think that the opportunity will be there.
I first put my gloves back on around a month ago, so a while before I played my first game. Of course it was a bit emotional, even if I was training far from Vinovo, I was often at Isokinetic. Putting on the gloves was a significant moment, and it restored my self confidence and hope.
Were you ever worried? Worried that you wouldn’t be able return, or be as good as before, given the risks involved in the operation you had…
More than worried. I always take every injury I have incredibly seriously. And I’ve had many of them. As I always say, when a person has a job as fortunate as mine, occasionally you have to pay a price, and I think, from that point of view, I’ve certainly paid. But I believe in fate and I believe that if there’s a problem, you can find a solution. If not, it wouldn’t be a problem.
How were the days in physiotherapy and working in the gym after your injury?
I had to live without thinking about it too much because, obviously, being out for six to seven months is not easy for someone like me. But I’ve already had that experience before the World Cup in 2006 when I was out with a shoulder injury for five months. On that occasion, I spent all my time recovering with the squad and I suffered more. It’s inevitable that being surrounded by my team mates, you’ll hear them speaking about the game and unfortunately I was still injured and couldn’t be as involved as they were. I find that very difficult to deal with.
So it’s because of this you’ve stayed away from the training ground?
Yes, this time I managed the situation in a different way, and my return to action was more gradual.
Has the team changed much since you’ve been out of action?
The side in May was undoubtedly the Juventus that fell at every hurdle. A Juventus that had flattered to deceive in every way, because the last few games were disappointing for those who can remember the true Juventus. I think that was definitely our lowest point.
And what about today’s Juventus?
It’s a Juventus that’s made up of lots of young players, with many Italians, some champions, some talented players, other guys who want to make it big. If we work in the right fashion and have a bit of luck, we’ll be able to have a great season because up until three, four Sunday’s ago we hadn’t lost two games in succession. We finally got it right against Bari and hope to continue moving forward.
What do you think Juventus can achieve? The title, a place in the Champions League…
Of course there are a couple of teams in a better position than us, but that’s no secret. Obviously we can’t get ahead of ourselves, nor think that we’re already beaten. A team like ours must always play every match, knowing that we’re an excellent side which can continue to grow. But it’s vital that we don’t return to the lows of last year. That’s something I strongly believe in.
Who’s the favourite for the title?
The favourite? For me the strongest squad is Inter’s. Definitely. But the favourites are Milan because they started better than Inter, and because in my opinion they had a tough three or four months due to injuries.
You’ve said: During the time I was out many have spoken about me, but I’m staying quiet. Well I would like you to know what has been said about you, and get your opinion. Starting from: “Buffon was upset because Storari was bought before he got injured, so he knows that the club are intending to sell him”. True or false?
It couldn’t be further from the truth. Last June, I met the new sporting director, Marotta, to find out his visions for the club and if they wanted me to stay. He assured me that I was a key part of the team and they’d like me to stay at the club. And then, of course, when I got injured they needed a goalkeeper.
Moving on: “Buffon was upset that his goalkeeping coach and personal trainer Alessandro Nista did not have his contract renewed for this season”.
No, I can say that this kind of move is common, especially when a new manager, like Del Neri, arrives with his personal staff. And then things adapt to the new management. But that’s the right of the club.
More: “The relationships within the club are strained. Buffon is no longer at the centre of proceedings, as he was before”.
These kind of things should be asked to the club. As far as I’m concerned, I spoke to Andrea Agnelli, to Marotta and to Del Neri, and I felt assured that I remained important to the club.
Do you think that there are strained relationships within the club?
No. I hear this often, also as far as our manager is concerned, but I spoke a lot to the manager and it’s something we find funny. If I had a strained relationship with someone, I wouldn’t talk to them.
One more: “Buffon earns too much money, the club has to sell him”
What can I say? This is another subject to discuss with the club. I can’t give an answer. I don’t know if this can be a problem or not. Of course, I think that players are lucky because we earn a lot, but on the other hand there are certain players for whom it’s justified to earn that amount.
You were given a great reception when you returned. How did it make you feel?
It was one of the most touching moments in my 10 years as a Juventus player. Having been out for seven months, you never know how the supporters will react when they see you again. It’s obvious that there was a show of unconditional love towards me by them, it was something that really touched me, it can’t be denied.
Last Sunday, the whole crowd gave Marco Storari a standing ovation, who replaced you during your absence, you were also spotted applauding him. How do you get on with him?
Very well because he’s the kind of guy who you can talk to, work with and have a joke with. Therefore, I think that he’s also similar to me. In 17 years of playing football I think I’ve got on well with almost all of my team mates.
What would you suggest to Storari? Should he stay or should he go?
Marco should do what he wants to do. He’s old enough to make that decision. Having spoken to him, it’s clear that he’s enjoying life at Juve, and having done a very good job, as he did, and having created a good rapport with his team mates and supporters. But he’s an ambitious guy, a guy who probably, now that he is 33 or 34 feels at the peak of his maturity and he’d probably like to continue playing. These, in my opinion, are more than understandable reasons. But it’s also true, you know, that Juve is always Juve and leaving them is always hard.
Del Neri clarified the meaning of his quotes about you and Storari that he said a month ago. I’ll ask you what did you think when you heard those words and, did you speak to him after the press conference?
To be honest, I didn’t hear what was said. Obviously, eighty thousand people the day after let me know. Of course, when on two or three newspapers you’re all over the headlines with this news, it’s not great. But to be honest, the day after, our manager immediately took me aside in the locker room and explained the reasons behind what he said. He also explained how the journalists twisted his words. I hope that this was a sign of respect towards Storari and that it was right to say that. I’ve always had to earn my place in the team when I’ve been fit and even when haven’t been in top condition. When I’m not feeling my best, it’s right that someone else is selected.
You became captain of the national side practically when you were on the treatment table, do you feel you owe anything to Prandelli?
Surely to thank him, it’s the least I can do. At that time I wasn’t feeling my best, both physically and psychologically, because it was a difficult operation that I underwent. But knowing that there’s a person, the manager of the national team, who values you is something that gives you the strength, that raises your spirits and gives you the will to recover as soon as possible. You know that someone is waiting for you and you know that for some years, hopefully, there will be important targets, for which it’s essential to be in good condition and have the hunger for success. I thought that perhaps my time with the national team wasn’t quite over and that people still had great confidence in my ability. When people expect great things of me I want to fulfill them.
In a few days you will be 33. Do you feel that you’re entering a second phase of your career, with the injury as the bridge?
Well, second phase… I think I’ve had different phases in my career. Joining Juventus from Parma ten years ago was inevitably a second phase. In Parma I was the rising star, I was that guy who certainly had already done wonderful things. At Juve, instead I had to fight for my place in a great team, in a great reality and all this happened. And then we won the World Cup in 2006, then Serie B after only one month, returning to Serie A, the rebirth of Juventus, hitting 30, then the injury, and now I’m 33… you could say my career has been characterized by many different important phases.
How long would like to continue playing?
I want to play as long as I’m in the national team, of course, and if I can stay in the national team for more than two years - it would be great to play in the next World Cup - and then if I’m no longer called up, well I may think about calling it a day. But sure, the national squad will have a big impact on how long I keep playing for.
Is there something that rediscovered about yourself, I mean in the positive sense, during your months spent leading a different life, away from the pitch on Sundays without football?
You see, a great fear affecting people like us daily involved with such an intense way of life is that of retirement and being under pressure. Saying, “Oh, who knows if at home I will be able to lead a normal life, like a normal person, when my wife and my children…” is one of my fears. I have to say that I addressed the situation and have resolved that the family that I’ve built up with my wife… to chose a woman like her… well, it’s right because even when we spend a lot of time with each other, we don’t get bored, we get on well together. This is very important.
So your family was very important throughout your injury: Alena, your parents…
Yes, they’ve been great. I can’t deny it, when you have such problems, when your heart and your pride are involved, you always need the people closest to you, you know that they’ll never betray you. Such as my parents, my sisters, my wife, my children and those two or three friends that I have.
In your opinion, do you think Del Piero should play for Juventus next season?
I think that Ale will still play for Juventus and above all he’ll always have a key role. His role is on the pitch because he’s still sharp, but also away from the field, he’d be able to show younger players what Juve’s all about, what these guys need to understand. Because, when I arrived here 10 years ago, if I hadn’t had examples to follow such as Antonio Conte, Ciro Ferrara and Paolo Montero, my integration into the side would have been harder. Instead, thanks to these people who had years of experience at Juventus, my life was made much easier.
You and Del Piero feel a bit like two pandas who are going to be made extinct. You are the last players remaining from the World Cup champions who decided to stay in Serie B, you are the last figure heads…
Pandas, of course, so we can stay in the world of Fiat… But I think that between Del Piero and I and also in some other cases like Totti or Materazzi at Inter, or Zanetti, there are so many players who did make and are still making history at their clubs. Obviously, you hear people often saying that main figures don’t exist, but it’s not true. I think they do. And then, sometimes, it’s due to football being more business oriented. But sometimes, not because it depends only on players, but on the willingness of many people, the management included. Therefore, the fact that no main figure heads exist doesn’t depend only on the player. I think that it depends on the football world in general, which has changed.
And this applies to you too?
No, I hope not. I hope to be able to finish my career at Juventus.
Next year, Buffon will play at Juventus?
I don’t see a reason why not. I think I will. Today the will to continue is still there, also because I only played two matches, I wish to participate in fifteen more to have a bit more clarity. So, this is what I’m aiming for. Then it’s in the lap of the gods and all you can do is be patient. But I think that the opportunity will be there.
Last Sunday, the whole crowd gave Marco Storari a standing ovation, who replaced you during your absence, you were also spotted applauding him. How do you get on with him?
Very well because he’s the kind of guy who you can talk to, work with and have a joke with. Therefore, I think that he’s also similar to me. In 17 years of playing football I think I’ve got on well with almost all of my team mates.
Very well because he’s the kind of guy who you can talk to, work with and have a joke with. Therefore, I think that he’s also similar to me. In 17 years of playing football I think I’ve got on well with almost all of my team mates.
