Buffon: “I’ll be back at 100%”
“The shoulder agility has been regained at 100% and I’m now back on training on dives, although cautiously. In any case, I’m not going to anticipate my comeback: the recovery schedule must be followed thoroughly”.
Reasonably, Buffon doesn’t want to anticipate the deadline, also because there’s isn’t much time left before his comeback: “I’ll be back when I’m ready and able to play at my best. Until that time, I’d rather stay away. It would be no use going on the pitch and being scared of a dive or a clearance. Under this point of view, I must say I’m happy as I’m not scared of diving, it’s quite the opposite. It all comes naturally and spontaneous.”
We’ll see the real Buffon from the beginning of December, then: “Well, there might be some difficulty at first but it won’t be caused by physical problems. When you’re away for a long time, you need a while before regaining your own position, your movements… To come back against Fiorentina in Coppa Italia? I’d love to, it’s been seven years since I last played in that tournament; it nearly means like a World Cup to me!”.
Gigi jokes willingly, which proves he’s feeling good, although being away from the playground is hard to handle for a champion like him: “When you’re away, you certainly miss many things, even those considered to be negative such as pressure or critics and also those aspects that make you feel a professional. Anyway, I have a good character and I never lost heart, like when I had to miss the UEFA EURO 2000 for an injury. I always try to look at the good side of things, so I hope that if I’m able to get back as strong as before, or even stronger, the last three months and a half of forced break might help me prolong my carreer or at least help me do well in the last part of the season.”
If Gigi could spend his recovery time with serenity it was also thanks to Abbiati, who was a distinguished substitute: “I was pleased that my injury gave him the chance to get back on playing at the level he deserves. Christian behaved greatly, he also earned his place back in the International team and I’m happy about it. Everyone played well so far; from outside, I saw a team aware of being stronger than last year, who has a remarkable physical power on their side and who did not lose their characteristics: cynicism, aggression and humility”.
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i wonder when this photo has been taken? Before the injure or now in the training sessions? No gloves.....
