Neuer and Cech lead chorus of tributes to ‘unique’ Buffon milestone

Date: 19th November 2015 at 12:41pm
Written by:

Footballers around the world have gathered to honour Gianluigi Buffon with the Juventus custodian currently celebrating 20 years since making his Serie A debut for Parma.

The 37-year-old, who made his debut on this day back in 1995 in Parma’s 0-0 draw against AC Milan, has since gone on to be recognised as one of the all-time goalkeeping greats, winning numerous individual, domestic and international accolades, including six Serie A titles and a FIFA World Cup crown back in 2006.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bayern Munich sensation Manuel Neuer was among many to congratulate Buffon on the achievement, and revealed that it was the down to earth character of the Italian that struck him most.

“Gigi has long been one of the best goalkeepers in the world and has always been one of the great examples for me, Neuer said.

“It’s great that you still play at his age, and I idolise you because you a kind person with great charisma.

“Even when I was younger, he always came to me to talk before or after the game. I always enjoy watching him play and hope he will stay in football for a long time to come.

“Dear Gigi, congratulations on this excellent achievement and there will good things will certainly happen for you in the future.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal custodian Petr Cech also offered his thoughts on Buffon reaching the milestone, praising the 37-year-old’s consistency and leadership in the clutch moments.

“Gigi has a unique personality: his presence and his leadership been pivotal to his team’s successes” Cech said.

“He is the goalkeeper who is often the key man for a team in critical moments of the match, he offers security to the defense and you can even trust him with his eyes closed.

“We often exchange messages with and have a lot of respect for each other. I hope he eventually wins the Champions League, it’s a trophy he deserves.”

Juventus teammate Giorgio Chiellini also expressed his delight at Buffon’s milestone, tweeting: “Congratulations Buffon! 20 years of great career.”

 

 

One response to “Neuer and Cech lead chorus of tributes to ‘unique’ Buffon milestone”

  1. juveman says:

    So 8 serie A titles ?!