Gianluigi Buffon confirms he rejected two transfer offers from Champions League clubs to return to Parma as No1 keeper

GIANLUIGI BUFFON has revealed he turned down two offers from Champions League clubs.

The legendary Italy goalkeeper instead opted for an emotional return to Parma.

Buffon told Sky Sport Italia: “I had two opportunities to even win the Champions League, but not as a protagonist.

"I had accepted the role of understudy at Juventus due to the strong bond and friendship I had with everyone there, but I didn’t particularly feel like doing that again for these final two years.

“People forget, but Parma are the fourth most successful club in Italy when it comes to winning European silverware.

"This is a side with a difficult present, but a glorious past and I believe a wonderful future to come.”

Buffon has rejoined Parma 20 years after leaving his boyhood club to move to Italian giants Juventus.

The 43-year-old has signed a two-year deal as he looks to help them win promotion back to Serie A.

After 17 years with Juventus, Buffon spent one season at Paris Saint-Germain before returning to Juve in 2019 for another two years as back-up to Wojciech Szczesny.

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But he has opted to join Parma and secure first-team football after turning down the chance to provide back up at a Champions League club.

Buffon, who has won a record 176 caps for Italy, has not given up hope of an international return.

The keeper said: "I am a dreamer and a very optimistic person, so of course playing in another World Cup would be a marvellous objective, but my aim is to reach June 2023 in good condition."

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