Gianluigi Buffon reveals Manchester United, Arsenal and City all tried to sign him
He said he could never turn his back on Juventus
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gianluigi Buffon has revealed that Manchester United, City and Arsenal all tried to bring him to the Premier League ahead of the Champions League final.
The 39-year-old is getting ready to try and win the Champions League at the third attempt, having lost in his previous two finals, in 2003 and 2015.
Buffon is the world’s most expensive goalkeeper having signed for Juventus from Parma in 2001 for £33m – although that could be rivalled by Manchester City’s purchase of Ederson from Benfica this week.
He has won nine Scudettos but it could have been the Premier League he was lifting in that time, had things gone differently.
Buffon claimed that both Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger came in for him before he moved to Juve as they were looking to replace Peter Schmeichel and David Seaman respectively.
He also said that City came in for him once they were taken over by their Abu Dhabi owners in 2008.
“From what I know, there have been three serious times when English clubs made an approach for me," Buffon said.
“Two of them were when I was a young player at Parma, and I know Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger asked about me – and then, when Manchester City was taken over, I know they approached Juventus.
“There are many reasons why none of the deals happened. Even though the Premier League is a special league, I have always wanted to stay loyal to Juventus.
“I have always been very successful here. I would not have changed anything.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments