Legendary Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon Announces Retirement In 15-Word Statement

Legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has retired following a remarkable playing career that spanned across four decades.

The 45-year-old began his senior career with Parma in 1995 before joining Juventus in 2001 - when a transfer fee in excess of €50 million saw him become the most expensive goalkeeper in soccer history.

He left Turin to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2018 but returned to Juventus 12 months later, before moving back to Parma in July 2021.

Buffon made 975 appearances during a club career that saw him win 27 trophies, including 10 Serie A titles - not counting two that were later revoked following Juve's involvement in the Calciopoli scandal.

At international level, Buffon earned 176 caps for Italy - 40 more than any other player past or present.

Gianluigi Buffon pictured during the 2006 FIFA World Cup final

IMAGO/HJS/Frankreich

Buffon was a key member of Italy's 2006 team that won the FIFA Men's World Cup in Germany.

Announcing his retirement on Wednesday, Buffon shared a video montage of his career highlights on social media.

Alongside the video, he posted a 15-word statement that read: "That's all folks! You gave me everything. I gave you everything. We did it together."

Juventus later posted a 447-word open letter to Buffon.

It began: "Dear Gigi. It is hard to find the right words on a day like today.

"It is incredibly difficult to talk about football on a day when the beautiful game bids farewell to its number 1 par excellence.

"We have already said our goodbyes and we have already celebrated the historic achievements that will never be replicated, but on each occasion we knew that you would keep beating Father Time.

"This time, we know that you have decided to bring this chapter to a definitive end and hang up your gloves off the back of an extraordinary career!"