Gianluigi Buffon announces exit from Juventus

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Italy's legendary goalkeeper, 40-year-old Gianluigi Buffon, announced at a press conference on Thursday that he had decided to leave Juventus at the end of the season after 17 years at the club.

"The game (against Hellas Verona) on Saturday will be my last game," Buffon told journalists. "Agnelli (Juventus chairman) hopes that I can work for the club. I have also received invitations from other places. I will make the decision next week."

Buffon also mentioned that he will not return to Italy's national football team because young players need the opportunities.

Juventus' goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon (C) from Italy and Juventus' players celebrate their Serie A title after the Italian Serie A football match Juventus vs Sampdoria, May 14, 2016, at the "Juventus Stadium" in Turin. /VCG Photo

"My decision will not affect my state of mind," he said. "Even if I retire at 15, I will stay calm. No matter what happens in the future, I will continue to live a happy life. Having been working with Juventus for so long, I totally understand the club's concept and I believe that they are well prepared with a good plan for the future. I have been playing here for almost 20 years and eight years as captain. I know everything about the team. The only thing I care is to put a perfect period. Our team now has a great goalkeeper who is 13 years younger than me. Returning to Parma? That sounds like a romantic dream but it's indeed just a dream."

Buffon grew from the youth training camp of Parma FC and made his Serie A debut at 17. In 2001 he joined Juventus who paid about 61.34 million US dollars for him, a world record for a goalkeeper's transfer fee even now. In his 17 year at the club, Buffon has helped his team win 11 Serie A titles (two of which were stripped), four Coppa Italia cups and five Supercoppa Italiana trophies. In 2006, Buffon helped Italy win the FIFA World Cup for the fourth time after 24 years.

Gianluigi Buffon (ITA) celebrates with the trophy after the final of the 2006 FIFA World Cup between Italy and France. /VCG Photo

Buffon has been selected as Seria A Goalkeeper of the Year 12 times, UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year twice, IFFHS (International Federation of Football History & Statistics) Best Goalkeeper of the Decade, IFFHS Best Goalkeeper of the past 25 years, IFFHS Best Goalkeeper of the 21st century and many other awards.

Andrea Agnelli, Juventus' chairman, said at the news conference that Giorgio Chiellini will take over as captain from next season. Wojciech Szczesny will inherit the No.1 jersey from Buffon.