Juventus have announced long-serving goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has signed a contract extension that ties him to the Turin club till 2018.
The shot-stopper joined the Serie A champions in 2001 for a world record one billion lire and has since become a legend in Turin, turning out for them nearly 600 times and winning seven Scudetti. Meanwhile, he has made 152 appearances for Italy and lifted the World Cup in 2006.
Despite turning 38 in January, the ex-Parma man remains one of the world's premier players in his position, and Juve's decision to offer him a fresh deal confirms that.
"I'm immensely proud in the faith Juventus have placed in me once more," Buffon told the press. "I hope that my fantastic story with this club will go on and bring even further success."
OFFICIAL: @andreabarzagli2 and @gianluigibuffon extend contracts until 30 June 2018. #Barzagli2018 #Buffon2018 http://pic.twitter.com/jwte2odKq4
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) May 11, 2016
There was further good news for the Italian champions on Wednesday as they also secured a contract extension for veteran centre-back Andrea Barzagli, who arrived at the club from Wolfsburg in 2011. He too has signed terms that will keep him in Turin until 2018.
"Even at this age, I still have room to improve and this is the best place for me to do so," he commented.
President Andrea Agnelli said: "Having Buffon in our squad is a true privilege. He is so important for us on and off the field.
"I consider Barzagli to be one of the best signings we have ever made. He is a magnificent defender."
- Goal