Gianluigi Buffon Interview
He's one of football's perennial figures, for over a decade Gianluigi Buffon has been idolised as one of the games greats. He's experienced the highs of winning the World Cup, and the lows of relegation to Serie B, but throughout his career Gigi Buffon has performed as one of football's greatest goalkeepers.
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SoccerBible: How did you start as a goalkeeper? Gianluigi Buffon: I began my sports career as a midfielder and played there until I was 11 years old, I was very good too. But my dream was to be a goalkeeper and I began by playing at different clubs, until in 1991, I went to the Parma Club. Can you still vividly remember your debut for Parma in Serie A? Yes, I was 17 years old and I remember my action against Baggio and Weah during the Parma-Milan match.
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Have you ever been tempted to dribble the ball and see how far upfield you can get?
More recently yes, because Juve and the National Team play strategies that allow me to do it, so I ve had to improve my technical skills.
What's been the best moment in your career?
2006 World Cup.
Is there one save in your career that stands-out as your favourite?
Yes, I ll always remember my save against Inzaghi in the Champions League Final at Manchester in 2003.
Who is the best player you've played with?
[Whilst smiling] I can t say any name, so I don t wrong anybody! There have been many.
Who in your opinion are the 5 greatest Italian players of all time?
To name 5 is difficult, I think each period has got its champion.
What's your advice for a keeper facing a penalty?
Before the player hits the ball, my advice is to stay as still as you can.
What difference do modern goalkeeper gloves make, to the gloves you wore early in your career?
They are more protective and their materials are more technological and transpiring.
What do you look for in a pair of gloves?
The most important factors in a new pair of gloves for me is comfort, grip, protection and safety.
How important is your choice of footwear?
Footwear is just as important for goalkeepers too, as your boots are an essential part of your performance.
What makes the new Puma PowerCat 1.12 football boots stand-out for you?
For me they mean unique design for the look, but also high technology to perform.
What tips would you give to SoccerBible fans who would like to be a pro goalkeeper like yourself?
I advise the SoccerBible fans to go hard at playing well.
To you is football a passion or a job?
Passion, even if football is my job.
Goalkeepers tend to have longer playing careers than outfield players, but how long do you think you will you continue playing?
I will play for as long as I'm important for my club.
Along with the Italian national team, Gianluigi Buffon has long been an ambassador for Puma football, and is wearing the latest Puma PowerCat 1.12 football boots. What are your opinions on Buffon, do you think he will go down as one of the games greats? Share your thoughts online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
