Juventus’s and Italy legendary , Gianluigi Buffon, on Tuesday said that he is ready to
come out of international retirement if he is called up for friendlies
against England and Argentina. Buffon resigned from international football after Italy failed to
qualify for 2018 World Cup in Russia, by losing a two-legged play-off to
Sweden.
Meanwhile, Italy interim national head coach, Luigi Di Biagio said on
Monday he was ready to recall Buffon for friendlies against Argentina
and England in Manchester and London on March 23 and 27.
“I had thought about going on holiday for a few days with my family,
but when the national team needs you, you must be present and not desert
them,” Buffon told Italian programme Tiki Taka.
Buffon has represented the Azzurri for 20 years, winning the 2006
World Cup title, and earning a record 175 caps in a brilliant career.
The 40-year-old added, “There’s nothing to add to Di Biagio’s words
other than I feel a sense of responsibility and loyalty which I must
give to the national team in this transitional moment.
“I repeat, it’s a way of showing loyalty and a sense of
responsibility towards Italy. A new national team is being born and the
first games are not comfortable ones because we will face Argentina and
England.
“I think that any experienced player can be useful at the start, even if it’s just to give advice to the young ones.”