No regrets for teary Buffon

Bordeaux, July 3

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Tears rolled down the cheeks of Gianluigi Buffon but the legendary Italy ‘keeper said there were “no regrets” despite the Azzurri missing a golden chance to beat Germany.

“The tears are for my disappointment. It was a magical experience that revived something in all of us and our fans, but it’s come to an end,” an emotional Buffon said.

Italy’s bid to put two forgettable World Cup campaigns behind only unravelled at a dramatic penalty shootout. 

“It’s a shame. When a team (Germany) misses three penalties out of five and you still don’t manage to win it becomes complicated,” said Buffon. 

“Sometimes it goes your way, other times it doesn’t. But that’s all a big part of sport, and you have to accept it. We wanted to leave this tournament without any regrets and that’s what we will do. We made our people proud and for this we can’t be sorry.” 

It was Antonio Conte’s last game as coach ahead of his move to Premier League giants Chelsea. 

But Juventus goalkeeper Buffon, 38, indicated the defeat would not hasten his international retirement. 

“Personally, I’m fine. I still get fired up by these games and I feel that I’ve still got something to give to this squad,” said Buffon, who believes there is also a big future for Italy’s young team. “I’m happy and proud to have worked alongside this squad. They (Germany) deserved victory more than us, but this game will serve the lads well.” — AFP