Buffon staying with Juve

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has confirmed he will remain at the Turin giants next season.

Reports in Italy have linked the 33-year-old with a move away from the Olympic Stadium this summer after 10 years with the Bianconeri.

Buffon and Juve endured a difficult campaign under coach Luigi Del Neri. The Italy international made a total of 17 appearances while the club finished a disappointing seventh in Serie A.

However, Buffon said to Gazzetta dello Sport: “I remain and I will return to be the Buffon I once was.

“I feel a lot of love for Juve. In the past year with the club there have been some misunderstandings but I don’t want to blame anyone.

“The club executives have learned to know me better and, I hope, to also appreciate me more.

“Hence, there’s no doubt about my future. I will remain at Juve 100%.”

Buffon is under contract with the Turin giants until June 2013 and is eager to help the club return to their former glory.

Juve, who appointed former midfielder Antonio Conte as their new coach earlier this month, will miss out on European football next season.

“I think next term we can do good things,” Buffon said.

“Conte called me up and said to me important words that make me feel part of the project.”