Premier League Rumors: Buffon Defying Age, Far From Calling It Quits

For Gianluigi Buffon, Juventus is where he truly belongs. After a short-stint with Paris Saint-Germain during the 2018-19 season, the 42-year-old admits that it was a natural decision to return to the Allianz Stadium. He explains that he needed to "detoxify" when he briefly left but the ties he had were too hard to ignore.

“The return to Juve was natural. In the end, I had a wonderful year in Paris and I must say that I needed it to detoxify myself," Buffon told Juventus' TV channel. “However it’s clear that the contact with Juve was always there, with the President, with Fabio Paratici, and old friends. I played a season abroad without cutting the umbilical cord."

Though it appears that Buffon has always had his heart for Juventus, he says that he enjoyed the time he had at the Parc des Princes. He moved there at the age of 40, agreeing to a one-year deal. He had the option to stay there for an additional 12 months. Buffon played a key role there, helping in a Serie A triumph and helped PSG retain their domestic crown. Despite the run, something lured the veteran goalkeeper back to Juventus.

The decision to return was a curious move for the former Italy no. 1. For one thing, he would be playing second fiddle to Wojciech Szczesny. But it appears he does not mind that scenario at all, calling the move the "happiest day" of his life.

At his age, there is no question that Buffon could opt for retirement if he wanted to. It was something most were expecting two years ago. Looking ahead and from the way he is talking, it appears retirement is farthest from his mind right now. He explains the reason why he continues to dodge retirement talks.

"Because I feel fine, and I want to respect the dreams I had when I was a small boy," Buffon said via. Goal.com.

Looking ahead, Buffon is one of many who remain holed up in self-quarantine due to the coronavirus. There is no telling when games will resume until the pandemic is placed under control. There is a chance that the season could be scrapped if things don't look up. Either way, Buffon is more likely to be back for Juventus once football action resumes.