Gianluigi Buffon, Juventus’s goalkeeper agrees to play again for Italy

Italy legend, Gianluigi Buffon, on Tuesday said that he is ready to come out of international retirement if he is called up for friendlies against England and Argentina.

Buffon resigned from international football after Italy failed to qualify for 2018 World Cup in Russia, by losing a two-legged play-off to Sweden.

Meanwhile, Italy interim national head coach, Luigi Di Biagio said on Monday he was ready to recall Buffon for friendlies against Argentina and England in Manchester and London on March 23 and 27.

“I had thought about going on holiday for a few days with my family, but when the national team needs you, you must be present and not desert them,” Buffon told Italian programme Tiki Taka.

Buffon has represented the Azzurri for 20 years, winning the 2006 World Cup title, and earning a record 175 caps in a brilliant career.

The 40-year-old added, “There’s nothing to add to Di Biagio’s words other than I feel a sense of responsibility and loyalty which I must give to the national team in this transitional moment.

“I repeat, it’s a way of showing loyalty and a sense of responsibility towards Italy. A new national team is being born and the first games are not comfortable ones because we will face Argentina and England.

“I think that any experienced player can be useful at the start, even if it’s just to give advice to the young ones.”