I could’ve joined Barca — Buffon

Italy goalkeeper Gigi Buffon revealed he “could’ve gone to Barcelona” in 2001, but thanks his father for steering him towards Juventus.

The goalkeeper has become an icon in Turin, staying on even after Calciopoli and their demotion to Serie B.

“Before joining the Bianconeri in 2001, I could’ve gone to Barcelona,” he told Sport Mediaset.

“My father suggested Juventus. I still thank him to this day, as I had many satisfying moments here. The Barcelona back then was not the same team as today.

“Signing a contract renewal in 2013 was another important step. I decided to stay at Juventus, even though I had an important offer from Eastern Europe that would’ve made anyone wobble.

“I hope to play for a few more years, as long as I will be able to surprise the way I always have done in my career.

“I was wanted by Parma, Milan and with more moderate interest also Bologna. My parents did well to choose Parma, as they considered it more suited to a 13-year-old. Any parent, perhaps rightly, would’ve preferred to say their child played for Milan, but they worried about finding the best place for me to grow up.”