Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has praised Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon ahead of their Champions League semi-final clash on Tuesday.
The 33-year-old World Cup winner, who has previously faced his opposite number at the same stage of the competition in 2003, revealed his admiration for the Juventus custodian.
“Gigi was a point of reference for my generation and he has continued to be one now,” said Casillas in an interview with Gazzetta Dello Sport.
“For somebody like me who dreamt of being a goalkeeper, he was someone who I would always admire and long to reach his level.
“But Juventus is not just about him. There is also Pirlo who is wonderful on the ball and exciting to watch, he is a champion in every-way.”
He continued: “As for Morata and Llorente; the former is certainly key to the future but is also affecting the present. He has everything to become the reigning number nine of the Spanish team.
“As for the latter; he is able to shift the balance when it comes to close matches. He is a truly strong man and is good at attacking balls in the air.”
Furthermore, Casillas has also celebrated his Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti as well as discussing the exciting tie that awaits them.
“He has put a smile back on the fans faces; he managed to win our tenth European cup after a wait of 12 years and also capped a wonderful year by winning four trophies.”
“It is going to be an exciting match between two sides that have lots of great players and have contrasting styles of play. It is going to be difficult but we will try to leave Turin with a positive result.”
The first leg between the two sides will be played at the Juventus Stadium on May 5.
