UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Buffon extends Juventus association to 2015

Venerable Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has his sights set on UEFA EURO 2016 after signing a two-year contract extension with Juventus, who, he says, "get under your skin".

Gianluigi Buffon joined Juventus from Parma in summer 2001
Gianluigi Buffon joined Juventus from Parma in summer 2001 ©Getty Images

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has signed a two-year contract extension, committing himself to the Italian title holders until 2015.

Buffon, capped 123 times by Italy and a FIFA World Cup winner in 2006, joined Juventus from Parma FC in 2001. His transfer fee of €52m remains the highest ever paid for a goalkeeper. Buffon, 34, had previously won the Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup with Parma after making his Serie A debut aged 17.

"Juventus get under your skin and it's difficult to see yourself with another shirt when you are wearing the Juve one," Buffon, whose previous deal was due to expire this summer, told a press conference on Wednesday. "Being the Juventus captain is a great responsibility and a huge honour for me considering the history of this club. I want to win trophies that I'm still missing during these two years, starting with the Champions League."

Buffon went close to realising that goal in 2003 when he saved two penalties in the final shoot-out against AC Milan at Old Trafford, but still ended up on the losing side. He lifted his third Scudetto with the Bianconeri last term and has helped Juventus establish a five-point lead at the head of the Italian top flight this season. Antonio Conte's team will face Celtic FC in the UEFA Champions League round of 16.

"A player should continue to play only while he can guarantee to maintain his usual standards," added Buffon, who has made well over 300 Serie A appearances for Juventus. "That's why I offered to sign for just one year when negotiating with the club.

"I think it's fair to always ask for the best from yourself every day. However, there will be a World Cup in one and a half years and a European Championship in 2016. At the moment I feel I can continue until then."