Gianluigi Buffon is set to finally call it a day when he speaks to a press conference on Thursday. The 40 year old will hang up his gloves after a special career that has seen him win almost everything.
It's rare that a player like Gianluigi Buffon comes along. There's been many legendary goalkeepers over the years and Buffon is one of the best ever, spanning two generations as the best goalie around.
Right now the Italian might not be the number one number one in the world, that accolade likely falls to David de Gea, but it would take some arguing to suggest that he's not still in the top, let's say seven.
As per ESPN the club have announced that they will hold a press conference at the Allianz Stadium on Thursday which, with the season all but over and Max Allegri stating he will stay next season, is thought to be Buffon announcing his retirement.
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This season's Serie A title will be his 11th playing for the Old Lady and he also has a Serie B title having helped Juve win promotion back to the top tier after they were relegated in the aftermath of the Calciopoli scandal in 2006.
Internationally Buffon had hung up his gloves at the end of last year when Italy's loss in a play-off to Sweden meant they wouldn't be in the World Cup but he was then called up for the friendly against England earlier this year.
The 40 year old helped his country win the World Cup in 2006 where he only conded two goals, an own goal from a free kick against Australia and a penalty against Zidane in the final.
His performances in that tournament helped lead him to second place in that year's Ballon d'Or, beaten only by defender Fabio Cannavaro.
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The one thing that will remain missing from Buffon's incredible list of achievements in the Champions League.
Throughout his career the former Parma player reached the final three times, in 2003, 2015 and 2017. On all three occasions he was on the losing side and his UEFA Cup win with Parma is his only piece of European club silverware.
We'll certainly be sad to see him go.
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