Buffon considering retirement despite Parma contract

Gianluigi Buffon is ‘seriously considering’ calling it a day on his professional football career despite having a year left on his contract with Parma according to reports in La Gazzetta dello Sport on Sunday afternoon. 

Following their relegation to Serie B in 2021, Buffon re-joined PArma, exactly 20 years after he had first left the club to sign for Juventus in 2001. 

However, the ultimate goal of promotion back to the Italian top flight has not yet been achieved, despite a promising run to the play-offs in the season just gone.  Now, Buffon is at somewhat of a crossroads. Despite signing a contract extension in February 2022, which runs until the end of the 2023-24 season, Buffon has suffered injuries in recent campaigns and, at age 45, recovery times have not always been speedy. 

Buffon has also reportedly been offered astronomical wages to make a move to Saudi Arabia, but La Gazzetta writes that the former Azzurri captain has no intention of accepting that proposal, nor does he have any plans to move to the MLS.  At the moment, the options appear to be either staying on with Parma, or terminating his contract one year early and announcing his retirement, which is not unlikely according to La Gazzetta. 

Though a final decision has not yet been reached either way, La Gazzetta reports that Buffon understands that his playing career is approaching its final stages and the opportunity to live closer to his family and spend time with his four children is a serious consideration.