Berlin: Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon said he is ready to keep playing for another three seasons to acheive some “dreams” even though he will then be past 40.
Buffon suffered his second Champions League final defeat with Juventus in their 3-1 slump to Barcelona on Saturday.
The Italian World Cup winner could do nothing against goals by Ivan Ratikic, Luis Suarez and Neymar.
Juventus at one stage fought back to 1-1 and Buffon said: “In the second half, there were times when we believed we could steal a victory. Unfortunately we did not make it.
“But we had a good match, that is the important thing. We have no reason to blame ourselves.”
“We didn’t manage to win, but not because we didn’t’ try: we gave everything we had.
“Barcelona are the best team in the world in my opinion, but we have proved that we could compete.”
Asked about his own future, Buffon, now 37, said he still wanted to win a first Champions League title.
“I want three more years at this level to reach a few more dreams,” said the player who has already won six Italian titles as well as the 2006 World Cup.
He could be the latest in a long line of Italian goalkeepers with longevity.
Dino Zoff, another Juventus legend, played at the 1982 World Cup when 40. Walter Zenga, a star at Inter Milan and the Italian team and now coach at Sampdoria, was still playing for New England Revolution in the United States at 39.
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said Buffon was part of a “fabulous team” because of their achievement in winning the Italian double and reaching the Champions League final.
“Of course I am sad because you don’t play in a final every year, but at the same time the team gave everything,” said the proud Allegri.
“This season has been good for our confidence and we mean to improve, not just in terms of results because that would mean we win everything.
“We want to consolidate and strengthen the team’s qualities. Our aim is to stay at the top in Europe. And the most important is to win the Scudetto (Italian title). We were close in the Champions League, maybe we can win next year.”
Having steered Juventus to the Italian league and cup double on his first season in charge, their coach Massimiliano Allegri says his target is to now to defend the Serie A title and keep them amongst the top eight sides in Europe.
Buffon echoed those sentiments and says the team has a bright future.
“We conceded early on, but we were always in the game.
“This performance gives us hope and confidence.
“We can make sure we stay at this level next season and within the next two or three years - who knows? - maybe I’ll manage to make some other dreams come true.”
