Gianluigi Buffon considering sensational offers from Liverpool and Manchester City after announcing Juventus departure


LIVERPOOL are trying to convince Gianluigi Buffon to move to Anfield but face competition from Manchester City.

The Reds have struggled at goalkeeper for several seasons and current No1 Loris Karius is far from secure.

Gianluigi Buffon is believed to be ready to announce his retirement
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Juventus and Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon was expected to announce his retirement
Juventus and Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon was expected to announce his retirement
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Buffon today announced he could shelve his retirement plans after receiving some interesting offers.

He said: “Up until 15 days ago, it was certain and well-known that I would stop playing.

“Now I have received some proposals and exciting challenges, both on the field and off it.

“The most important for staying on the pitch was proposed to me by [Juventus chairman Andrea] Agnelli.

“Over the next three days, full of emotion, I will after two or three days of reflection make a definitive decision.

The veteran stopper could finish his career in the Premier League
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Gianluigi Buffon celebrates after winning an incredible 11th Serie A title
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Loris Karius is Liverpool’s No1 but there are doubts if he is the future
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“I don’t want to play in the lower leagues, I’m too competitive. I’ll try to follow whatever calls to my soul and my nature.”

Asked directly about the Premier League, he added: “I said that I received a few proposals, very interesting ones, both for on the field and off it.


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“Next week, once everything has calmed down a little bit, I will decide what I think is best for me.

“There’s no point now betting on where I could go. If I were to continue, I’d want to challenge for big honours, because that’s what I live for and in a way it’s my limitation too.”

Jurgen Klopp hugs Buffon after a Champions League game in 2015
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Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has sanctioned the ambitious swoop for Buffon.

The legendary stopper has won dozens of trophies at domestic and international level but the Champions League is missing from his collection.

And Liverpool could use that to try and get Buffon to pull a shock U-turn – especially after guiding the Reds to this season’s final.

Buffon would bring bags of experience if he can be persuaded to carry on
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Buffon's incredible Juve career

LEGENDARY goalkeeper recently won his ninth Serie A title, which is more than any other single player.

Only three clubs — Juventus, Milan and Inter — have won more than that.

He also won three major honours with Parma as well as the 2006 World Cup and 1996 Euro U-21 championship.

 

Juve honours

Serie A, 9 (record) — 2001-02, 2002-03, 2004-05*, 2005-06*, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18

Coppa Italia, 4 — 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18

Serie B — 2006-07

Supercoppa Italiana, 5 — 2002, 2003, 2012, 2013, 2015

 

Individual honours

Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year, 12 — 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017

Uefa Goalkeeper of the Year, 2 — 2002-03, 2016-17

Uefa Team of the Year, 5 — 2003, 2004, 2006, 2016, 2017

City have also thrown their hat into the ring as they search for a No2 to support Ederson.

But Liverpool are in pole position to secure a move as Buffon is unlikely to oust the Brazilian, who has slotted in to Pep Guardiola’s plans perfectly.

Emre Can could be heading in the other direction as Juve eye a free transfer.

The German midfielder, who could be in line for a shock return to action against Real Madrid, is out of contract next month.

Can, 24, has long been expected to head to Turin and is closing in on completing his move.

Ederson proved to be a brilliant buy for Man City despite a couple of blunders early in the season
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Gianluigi Buffon is tempted to play on into his 40s
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Bayern Munich, City and Borussia Dortmund have all tried to seal a deal, while Liverpool were keen to keep hold of the playmaker.

Roma’s Brazilian stopper Alisson is another target for Anfield chiefs but the Italian outfit are playing hardball and reportedly want £87million.

 

 


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