Legendary Juventus shotstopper Buffon hints at retirement as early as 'Four Months'

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has gone on to defy all odds to ensure his longevity between sticks. Despite being at of 43, he remains in first team squad of  defending Serie A champions, suggesting minimal signs of a slowdown. But every good thing comes to an end, and so will Buffon's career. Confirming same, Juventus shot-stopper provided a time frame around which he might hang up his boots. 

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Is Buffon retiring? Buffon retirement plans 

Buffon returned to Allianz Stadium following a season-long stint with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He has since taken back up role at Old Lady, standing second in order of preference behind Wojciech Szczesny. Buffon had signed a season-long extension with Juventus last summer.

However, he insists he could continue playing for ar two years, or until 2023. But Buffon hasn't also denied possibility of early retirement. Speaking to Guardian, 43-year-old said, "Look, in my head, re truly is a final stop sign, a maximum bar, which is June 2023. That is maximum, really, really maximum. But I could also stop playing in four months."

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For Buffon is t a deterrent 

Buffon has racked up just 10 appearances across all competitions since Andrea Pirlo took over from Maurizio Sarri. He last started between sticks in Serie A against Crotone on February 22, producing his fifth clean sheet of season as Juventus hammered ir opponents 3-0. 

Pirlo preferred to start more-experienced Buffon in both legs of Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter Milan. He will probably play in final against Atalanta, scheduled for May. Interestingly, Buffon has spent 20 of his 26-year-long career with Bianconeri. 

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Buffon career: Champions League, only title yet to be clinched 

He has played 681 games with Turin-based outfit, only next to record-setter Alessandro Del Piero, who racked up 705 appearances during his exceptional stint with Juventus. 2006 World Cup winner has clinched 21 titles with Old Lady. Champions League title, however, remains only accomplishment out of sight for legendary shot-stopper, despite playing three finals in his decorated career. 

Buffon was quizzed about his decision to return to Juventus in 2019. He said, "y say that when you reach my , decline happens all at once – from one moment to next. I don’t believe this. I am also someone who believes very strongly in fate, in destiny. When Juventus offered me chance to come back, I thought: ‘Madonna! You never kw, maybe re’s a reason, something I’m meant to go back re for. One last great story to write."

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Im courtesy: Gianluigi Buffon Twitter