Juventus have two club legends contemplating retirement following the 2020-2021 season in center back Giorgio Chiellini and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. Although both men are above the age of 35, they have shown, through their performances on the pitch this season, that they still have something left to give to the Bianconeri.
Chiellini’s made some great defensive plays, though he has struggled with injuries. Meanwhile, Buffon has been fit and has played well in goal for the Bianconeri. There are indications that even though his contract is set to expire and he is 43 years old, he will re-sign with Juve and stay in Turin for another year.
That’s the best outcome for the Bianconeri. Buffon is a legend, and there is this responsibility many people feel to win the Champions League title while he is still playing. It is the one major accomplishment that has eluded the legendary Italian goalkeeper, who was between the sticks for the 2006 World Cup triumph.
Buffon is not just skating by and would not be stealing a paycheck. Far from it. If he chooses to re-sign with Juventus, he will have earned keeping his spot as the main backup goalkeeper behind Serie A’s best stopper, Wojciech Szczesny.
Gianluigi Buffon is still an effective role player for Juventus
Whenever Buffon is called upon in Serie A or in the Coppa Italia – or even in the Champions League – the 43-year-old delivers. His experience is impossible to replace. Buffon brings a sense of leadership and calm on the bench and on the back line. He knows how to avoid putting his teammates in tough spots, which becomes very important when playing out of the press. Buffon knows his own strengths and limitations perfectly, such is his experience.
Juventus are preparing for a youth revolution. This past summer, they acquired three players who can be cornerstones of the club in Arthur Melo, Weston McKennie, and rapidly-rising star Federico Chiesa. Yet the Bianconeri do not have to sacrifice their past identity and current legends if they are proving they can still play at a level necessary to be a part of the squad.
Buffon is an asset to Juve. He is one of the top backup goalkeepers you will find in Europe. And it is only fitting for him to stay and be a part of the last year of Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Juve and what could be the final push for the Champions League. Even if he never reaches this goal, Buffon can still help Juve, and all hands on deck is a necessary approach with Serie A becoming more competitive than ever.