28 January 2017
Few players in the world game can claim to still be at the peak of their powers aged 39, but as of today Gianluigi Buffon is doing just that.
Juventus’ legendary keeper and captain is having another superb season between the sticks, his string of jaw-dropping saves away to Lyon standing out in particular, as he was unanimously voted MVP for October by Bianconeri fans.
A sensational shot stopper, inspirational leader and natural-born winner. Gigi ticks all the boxes. In truth, he always has done ever since kicking off his professional career over 21 years ago.
If you think goalkeeping can be a lonely place sometimes, bear a thought for all the strikers he has frustrated down the years. Those 973 minutes without conceding a goal last season – an all-time Serie A record – virtually goes against the science of football. Then again, when did Superman ever conform to the ordinary?
To a player, a man, who never fails to amaze with his once-in-a-lifetime talents, everyone at Juventus wishes Buffon the happiest of birthdays, hoping it will yield further presents in the form of silverware – his favourite kind of gift – at the end of the campaign.
Many happy returns, Gigi!
