Italy and Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon will reach 40 years of age and still play at the top level, according to his agent Silvano Martina.
‘Gigi’, as he is affectionately known, has already racked up 133 senior caps for the Azzurri – just three behind Fabio Cannavaro’s all-time record – and is still the undisputed first choice between the sticks for club and country.
Speaking after Buffon’s three penalty saves helped Italy take third place in the Confederations Cup with a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat of Uruguay, Martina insisted the 35-year-old goalkeeper can continue for at least another five years at his current level.
“He will make the European Championship in 2016 after the [2014] World Cup,” the agent told Radio Sportiva.
“He can do it – he is an absolute champion and is still the strongest goalkeeper of all.
“He can reach 40 years of age quietly and can even make the World Cup in 2018.”
Martina also commented on the general impression the Azzurri have given following the recent tournament in Brazil, adjudging the Italian game to be operating at a very high level once more.
“It [the Confederations Cup] is an event which has served to prepare us for the World Cup,” he said.
“Against Spain we deserved to win, but Italian football has reaffirmed its optimum level – among the top five in the world.”
Follow Sean on Twitter: @SeanMartin91
