Paris: Paris Saint Germain (PSG) has announced the signing of legendary Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon after the latter’s illustrious 17-year spell with the Italian giants.
Buffon arrived at the Turin outfit from Parma in July 2001 for €52 million, in what remains to be the most expensive deal for the goalkeeper till date.
Speaking to PSG’s official website, the 40-year-old said, “It is with a great feeling of happiness that I join Paris Saint-Germain.”
“For the first time in my career, I am leaving my country and only a project this ambitious could have encouraged me to make such a decision. I want to thank the club and the president for their confidence. To have followed the club’s incredible progression in recent years, I know what dreams Paris Saint-Germain and its fans have in their hearts.” he added.
He also mentioned that he would bring all his energy, experience and his thirst in place to help PSG achieve new heights in the coming future.
“With my teammates and our supporters, we will share fantastic emotions at the Parc des Princes and in all of the stadiums in which we are going to represent Paris, a marvellous city that deserves to one day see its club at the top of international football,” he concluded.
The club took to their official Twitter handle to release a video with the caption, “Tailor-made for Paris!”
Tailor-made for Paris! @gianluigibuffon pic.twitter.com/iuxA1X2XAg
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) July 6, 2018
Meanwhile, PSG President Nasser Al- Khelaïfi welcomed Buffon’s new association with PSG.
“We all feel an immense pride in welcoming Gianluigi Buffon into the great Paris Saint-Germain family. The immensity of his career, as well as his ambitious personality, unifying and elegant, make him one of the most admired and respected players in world football,” he said.
“Our supporters will know how to welcome Buffon with the enthusiasm and love that he deserves. His arrival reaffirms our will to always go higher, an ambition that we intend to pursue with a determination just as strong,” he added.
The 40-year-old initially signed a one-year contract with the PSG, with an option to extend it by another year.
Decorating Buffon’s trophy cabinet are 11 Serie A title winner’s medals, five Coppa Italia winner’s medals, six Supercoppa Italiana winner’s medals, among others and a host of individual awards that he has collected over a 23-year career with Parma and Juventus.
But the highlight of his achievements is the World Cup glory which he tasted with Italy in 2006.
However, he has never won the coveted UEFA Champions League and would look to renew his pursuit for the highest prize in club football with his new side. (ANI)