PARIS – Paris Saint-Germain announced on Wednesday it will be parting company with veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
The decision was made after long talks between both parties, according to an online statement published by the French club.
“Following joint discussions, Paris Saint-Germain and Gianluigi Buffon have agreed to not renew the legendary goalkeeper’s contract which expires on June 30, 2019,” it said.
Since his arrival to the Ligue 1 club in July from Italy’s Juventus, the 41-year-old Italian has played a total of 25 matches across all competitions, winning the domestic league crown and the French super cup.
“Paris Saint-Germain is honored to have had the greatest goalkeeper in the history of football at the club,” the club’s statement added.
“The club also wishes the unforgettable ‘Gigi’ the best in his personal projects that now await him.”
Buffon was quoted in the statement saying: “Thank you all that I had the opportunity to be in Paris.
“Thank you for the emotions that we have shared together.
“Today my adventure outside Italy comes to an end.”
PSG president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, also paid tribute to the former international who was a 2006 FIFA World Cup winner with Italy.
“I will never forget the pride that everyone at Paris Saint-Germain, both the club and the fans, felt when they saw Gianluigi Buffon wearing our jersey,” Al-Khelaifi said.
“During his time at PSG he brought his phenomenal experience and his sense of professionalism not only to his teammates but also to all areas of the club.
“We will miss his warm and open personality here at the club.”
Al-Khelaifi added that Buffon has become and would always be one of the legendary players who played for the side and that he will be invited next year to attend the 50th anniversary of the club.
Buffon claimed a number of titles at Juventus, where he played for 17 years, including nine Serie A crowns and five Coppa Italia trophies among others.
Despite his legendary career, he was not lucky at the UEFA Champions League, having lost the final match twice in the recent five years.
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