Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Gianluigi Buffon is leaving the club when his contract expires on June 30th.
The 41-year old goalkeeper joined PSG last summer after spending 17-years with Juventus. Buffon was restricted to 17-appearances in Ligue 1 this season, as head coach Thomas Tuchel rotated between him and Alphonse Areola. Despite failing to cement his place as PSG's number-1, Buffon did help them win the Ligue 1 title.
Buffon only signed a one-year deal at the Parc des Princes, but as recently as last month it appeared he was willing to extend that deal. Speaking to Sky Uno, Buffon said: "The club has offered me an extension, which makes me really happy. We will look in a few days to examine this project and see if we both believe that it is good to continue together. It's going well in Paris. I live an exceptional life experience at 41 years old. I arrived convinced that I would be involved as a player and as a person, and I found what I came for."
The Italian legend says he has turned down that extension claiming he, "didn't feel like accepting it driven by the desire to prepare myself for new human experiences and new professional challenges."
Among his 25-appearances across all competitions this term was Buffon's starting place in PSG's defeat to Manchester United in the Champions League. An uncharacteristic fumble allowed United striker Romelu Lukaku to score his second of the night. That game saw PSG exit the competition at the last-16 stage.
Oh, Gigi... 🙈
"A clanger", from the veteran keeper allows Lukaku to get his 2nd of the night!
Live on Virgin Media Sport.#PSGMUN #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/rbt4A69klm— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 6, 2019
Buffon thanked PSG and their fans for a happy year spent in the French capital, "Twelve months ago, I arrived at Paris Saint-Germain filled with enthusiasm, welcomed by the incredible warmth of the fans. It was really moving.
"Thank you, once again, from the bottom of my heart. I leave happy to have enjoyed this experience which has undoubtedly helped me to grow. Today my adventure outside Italy comes to an end.
"I would like to thank the chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, the whole club and my teammates. I wish you all the best, convinced that together you will write the pages of a wonderful story. Ernest Hemingway wrote that there are only two places in the world where people can live happily: at home and in Paris. Today onwards, this will also apply to me: Paris, in some way, will always remain my home... Allez Paris! Thank you and good luck with everything!”
Paris Saint-Germain CEO Al-Khelaïfi thanked Buffon for his year with the French champions, saying: "During his time at PSG he brought his phenomenal experience and his sense of professionalism not only to his teammates but also to all areas of the club. We will miss his warm and open personality here at the club. "
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