A tearful Gianluigi Buffon called time on his 175-cap international career in the moments following the confirmation of Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup.
The 39-year-old Juventus goalkeeper, who made his Italy debut in October 1997, kept a clean sheet against Sweden at San Siro but his outfield team-mates failed to score the goals that could have overturned the Scandinavians’ 1-0 advantage in the two-legged European play-off.
Buffon had already decided to hang up his Azzurri gloves after Russia 2018 and, with that opportunity stripped from him seven months before the tournament, he is taking his leave early.
???? | #Buffon: ""We have pride, strength and we're stubborn. We know how to get back up again as we've always done. I'm leaving an Italy side that will know how to speak for itself. Hugs to everyone, especially those I've shared this wonderful journey with."
— Italy (@azzurri) November 13, 2017
Italy, who last failed to qualify in 1958, have won the World Cup four times, most recently in 2006.
?? | #Buffon: "Blame is shared equally between everyone. There can't be scapegoats. Win together, lose together." #ItalySweden ????????
— Italy (@azzurri) November 13, 2017
Source: By PA Sport Staff
