Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon plans to keep playing until he is at ‘least 43’ after setting a new Serie A appearance record.

Buffon broke Paolo Maldini’s record of the most Serie A appearances during Juve’s 4-1 victory over Torino.

Buffon broke the record having featured 648 times for Juve as he enters into his 16th straight season in the club’s black and white colours.

The Italian is also the second-oldest player ever to play in the Champions League, and is chasing down Marco Ballotta’s record of 43 years and 252 days.

Speaking of breaking Maldini’s record, Buffon told Sky Sports Italia: ‘I had to wait a long time for this record, but it wasn’t a problem.’

‘Right now we’re playing a lot of games. It’s a delicate time in the season and the pressure I felt was only on the game.

‘Now I’m very happy, but the thought of the record didn’t touch me before. At the start of my career, I was more carefree and easy-going.

‘I had many dreams and, driven by my approach of never being satisfied with myself, I came here. Breaking Del Piero’s attendance record for Juve isn’t one of my objectives. I’m not playing for these things because I practically retired two years ago.

‘Then came PSG and, subsequently, so did the opportunity to come back here and feel good.

‘I realise that if I have the right motivation, I can play some games without any problems, while giving excellent answers on the pitch.

‘I’ll be here until I’m at least 43, but since turning 40 I’ve been taking things month by month.

‘I need to monitor the situation and always be ready to step back when the main element is missing, that is, the ability to play at the top.

‘Once I feel I’ve reached that point, I’ll step aside. As long as I’m motivated and in the right shape, it’s only right that I keep playing because there’s nothing that makes me happier than playing football matches.’

source:- fcnaija