Paris Saint-Germain have announced the signing of legendary Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon on a free transfer.
Buffon left Juventus after 17 years at the club and was expected to retire from football altogether but has instead penned a one-year deal with PSG with an option to a further 12 months.
The former Italy international was heavily linked with a move to China after he confirmed he would continue his playing career, but PSG have won the race for his signature.
“It is with a great feeling of happiness that I join Paris Saint-Germain,” Buffon told the club’s official website.
“For the first time in my career, I am leaving my country and only a project this ambitious could have encouraged me to make such a decision.
“I want to thank the club and the president for the confidence. To have followed the club’s incredible progression in recent years, I know what dreams Paris Saint-Germain and its fans have in their hearts.
“I am going to bring all my energy, all my experience and all of my thirst to win to help my new club achieve all the great objectives it has set out for the future.
“With my teammates and our supporters, we will share fantastic emotions at the Parc des Princes and in all of the stadiums in which we are going to represent Paris, a marvellous city that deserves to one day see its club at the top of international football.”
Buffon’s arrival will almost certainly mean Alphonse Areola and Kevin Trapp will have to re-think their future at PSG.
The 40-year-old will not play every game but will be PSG’s first choice goalkeeper next season and Areola has already been heavily linked with a move to Napoli.
Buffon has kept more clean sheets than any other Serie A goalkeeper in the last four campaigns (62).
