Paris Saint-Germain thanks Gianluigi Buffon for honouring the Rouge & Bleu shirt
Following joint discussions, Paris Saint-Germain and Gianluigi Buffon have agreed to not renew the legendary goalkeeper's contract which expires on 30 June 2019.
The Italian international (176 caps) played 25 matches in all competitions this season, winning the 2019 Ligue 1 title and the 2018 Trophée des Champions to complete the huge list of achievements of the 41 year-old former Parma and Juventus shotstopper.
Paris Saint-Germain is honoured to have had the greatest goalkeeper in the history of football at the club, a 2006 World Cup winner with many individual awards since the start of his career. The club also wishes the unforgettable "Gigi" the best in his personal projects that now await him.
"Thank you all for everything I have had the opportunity to experience in Paris, said Gianluigi Buffon. Thank you for the emotions that we have shared together. 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!”
"I will never forget the pride that everyone at Paris Saint-Germain, both the club and the fans, felt when they saw Gianluigi Buffon wearing our jersey, said Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Chairman and CEO of Paris Saint-Germain. For the first time in his fabulous career, Gianluigi had made the brave choice to leave Italy, struck by our ambitious and modern project. 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. "Gigi" will forever remain among the football giants who have worn the Paris Saint-Germain colours and shared the values of the club. We will be honoured to welcome him again next year, along with other former players, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our club.”