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Gianluigi Buffon Refuses No.1 Shirt And Captain's Armband On Emotional Juventus Return

Gianluigi Buffon Refuses No.1 Shirt And Captain's Armband On Emotional Juventus Return

He has signed a one-year contract with Juventus.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Gianluigi Buffon has brilliantly refused the No.1 jersey and the captain's armband following his emotional return to Juventus.

The legendary Italian keeper has returned to Juventus after a season in France's top flight with Paris Saint-Germain.

The 41-year-old is set to wear the No.77 shirt after declining the option to remove Wojciech Szczęsny from his No.1 shirt.

He's also turned down the chance to captain Juventus in a classy gesture to current skipper Giorgio Chiellini.

Image: Juventus
Image: Juventus

"Szczęsny wanted to give me number 1 and Chiellini the captain's armband, but I'm not here to take anything away from anyone, but to give," he said.

"I'll be proud to have a captain like Giorgio, who is a brother. that I had in Parma. Then after that year I went to Juve.

"I am happy and excited, despite the almost 42 years. This was the best choice, because I was looking for strong emotions. Juve does not give anything, if I am here I have to thank everyone.

"I expect to take satisfaction from the people I consider as brothers. The choice may seem little inclined to what I am, but the motivation is what I said a month ago: playing another year trying some strong emotions

"With Sarr we met, he made an excellent impression, which was the one he gave to everyone on the day of the press conference. Playing with Cristiano is beautiful. I played with Neymar and Mbappé, now I play with Ronaldo.

"I have not yet spoken as a companion. I left a very strong Juve and found it even stronger. Seeing the venue today, I found a world turned upside down in positive evolution. Those who lead Juve have clear ideas."

Buffon's agent Silvano Martina has also confirmed his client rejected big-money offers from the Premier League.

"He had many offers, especially from the Premier League and from other large teams," he said.

"I don't name names, it's not in my style but I think you won't have problems understanding.

"Buffon has always made choices with his heart and never for his wallet. You can compare his return home to that of a husband who after an escapade can't wait to hug his wife again."

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Topics: Football News, Football, Ronaldo, Premier League, Juventus, Buffon