Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon insists that he is not a legend, but just a professional in what he does.
The current Juventus and Italy skipper played down his accomplishments while also elaborating on his inspirations and his respect for rival goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
“[My career] has been great,” he told AS. “I’ve gone through a lot. At the beginning I was just a kid experiencing both positives and negatives. Now, as an adult, I’m more mature and reflective.
“As a kid, I preferred scoring goals. My heroes were players such as Mattheus [Oliveira], [Ruud] Gullit, [Marco] Van Basten, [Roberto] Baggio, and [Salvatore] Schillaci in Italy. Only later I developed a passion for goalkeeping.
“I have always wanted to stand out from the crowd. In this way being a goalkeeper is perfect, as you have a separate kit, is the only player who can use his hands, and can wear a cap or gloves.
“[My goalkeeping inspiration is Cameroonian] Thomas N’Kono, who I began to watch closely at the 1990 World Cup. He was a classic but a great keeper. I never saw anyone fist the ball to safety as he did.
“Italy also had great goalkeepers: [Walter] Zenga, [Angelo] Peruzzi, [Gianluca] Pagliuca, [Luca] Marchegiani. Outside Italy, I always liked [Peter] Schmeichel, for his decision making and strong personality.”
The 36 year old then turned his attention to Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
“He’s good person and we always have a chat when we meet up. He was and is still a great goalkeeper.
“[We have] a mutual respect [for each other] as very few can claim to have achieved what we have. I also get along very well with [Chelsea goalkeeper Petr] Cech. I think he was at our level but had the misfortune to play in a national team that wasn’t in the ‘shop-window.’
“What I like most about Casillas? The consistency he’s had in his career, the fact that he’s been a key player in so many vital games. Technically, I’d say he’s a keeper with no defects. When you’ve played so many times for Spain and for Real Madrid, this is the way it is.”
Lastly, Buffon was asked about his legendary status as one of the best goalkeepers in history.
“Me, a legend? No, no, legends are those who are super-human and that’s not for me. I’m a sportsman with a soul, a good heart, or bad, whatever; that’s for the fans to judge. I consider myself a footballer who’s been a part of Italian, European and world footballing history. Legends are created after death. That I hope is some way off!”
