Barzagli: Buffon the greatest of all time
There were emotional scenes in Turin where iconic Italian keeper and nine-time Serie A winner Buffon, 40, farewelled Juve in Saturday's 2-1 victory over relegated Verona.
Buffon announced on Thursday that he would be calling time on his 17-year Juve career and the Italy international signed off in style, receiving an emotional standing ovation as he was substituted in the second half.
Linked with a move to French champions Paris Saint-Germain, Buffon hugged each of his Juve team-mates and several Verona opponents as he made way for Carlo Pinsoglio in the 63rd minute.
62' Allianz Stadium says goodbye to an all-time great, @GianluigiBuffon. #UN1CO #FINOALLAFINE pic.twitter.com/JTnLeVkNBk
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) May 19, 2018
Barzagli, who shared a warm embrace with Buffon on the pitch, told Sky Sport Italia: "I don't know where he'll go, it's a surprise.
"He'll make the right choice. I have always told him everything and we have a great rapport.
"We'll miss him, he's a leader and the greatest goalkeeper of all time. He is a man who in the locker room lets everyone take a step up in quality.
"He never says anything without thinking it over and everyone listens.
"Over the last two years, I've lost a lot in terms of pace and reaction times, but have improved in reading the game. It's a struggle against fast players and experience does help."
For the 21st and final time, it's for @gianluigibuffon with the #UN1CO pic.twitter.com/vk4XnF09EG
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) May 19, 2018
Fellow Juventus defender Mehdi Benatia added: "I am sad that the captain is leaving. I've played with many champions, but Gigi is special, both on and off the field.
"His departure really does leave a hole in Juventus."