:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/TPK77HPDNSXUGXICMHU3FK37J4.jpg)
Gianluigi Buffon has extended his contract with Parma until 2024, meaning the veteran goalkeeper will be 46 when it expires.
The World Cup-winning Italian, who began his career with the club before spending 19 years across two spells with Juventus, re-joined Serie B side Parma last year.
Buffon, who has won 10 Serie A titles and is the league’s record appearance maker with 657 games, announced his extension during a press conference with club president Kyle Krause.
“For me and my family, this is a wonderful day. I hope that the city and all fans will be happy,” Buffon said as reported by Sky Italia.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/JAF645KWHZXWCJ3P55T6AEO5RI.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/L7P4B4AGJIOQYEMPFCOONSZWFA.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/CK3XWERMMPSIXGHQ62XMYRASHE.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DM6DW5FH4QIZOUKNF4MQU7T5HU.jpg)
“My return to Parma was linked to the relationships and the deep bond I have always had with this city.
“If I hadn’t believed in what the president has in mind and in what we are doing, I would not have accepted this proposal. I am optimistic for the future of this club. It is a beautiful and exciting challenge for me.”
Krause added: “He is a great player and for us he is a great pride. In addition to his leadership skills, he is also a person with excellent human skills.
“We can see the passion he has for Parma every day, we are really happy for his commitment.”
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YVIRIOZQ35EWRPZXR27KGMO6YU.png)