Buffon says his Champions League return was shocking

World
Europe

Italian goalkeeping legend Gianluigi Buffon said Monday that making his European debut for new club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at home in Italy against Napoli was like an electric shock for him.

"I know the San Paolo Stadium very well and above all I know the feeling that there is between the team and its fans," said the 40-year-old former World Cup winner.

"Being able to return to the Champions League after my disqualification in a match so important in Italy and Naples is something that inevitably gives some major shocks.

"It's very emotional. If I chose to continue to play at 40 years it's because soccer generates emotions like nothing else.

"I'm really lucky to be able to return in Italy, against Napoli, in a Champions League match."

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus celebrates his club's win during the Serie A match against Roma in Turin, Italy, April 19, 2003. /VCG Photo

Buffon was suspended for PSG's opening three European games for his behavior and comments towards the referee during Juventus' quarter-final loss to Real Madrid last April.

Napoli and PSG played out a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Paris, with the Italians second in Group C on five points after three games, one behind leaders Liverpool.

PSG face the prospect of potential early elimination as they sit third with four.

"It will be very difficult to win because the Napoli I saw in the first leg is a team to be respected," said Buffon. "For us, it will be important not to lose, because then there are still two games to make up."

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus celebrates his club's opening goal during the UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid in Turin, Italy, March 9, 2005. /VCG Photo

New PSG coach Thomas Tuchel is counting on Buffon to help keep cool heads in Naples.

"Gigi (Buffon) will help us, he already knows the stadium and the atmosphere and he'll be a big help in the dressing room," said Tuchel at Monday's press conference.

"Gigi is coming back from a ban and he deserves to play in Italy against a team he knows."

In Naples, Buffon will meet up again with old friend Carlo Ancelotti, who brought the goalkeeper to Juventus back in 2001 -- the start of a glorious 17-year career in Turin.

Source(s): AFP