Gianluigi Buffon is still not retired, you might have noticed
Having previously indicated he would call it quits in summer 2018, it became clear recently that the legendary goalkeeper might yet extend his playing career a little while longer. Buffon signed off with Juventus by winning another Serie A title, but speculation that he might be set to join Paris Saint-Germain on a two-year deal has been rife in the last couple of weeks.
If he does join the French champions, it seems Buffon may have to wait a while for his next appearance in the Champions League. Uefa have confirmed the 40-year-old will serve a ban following his dramatic dismissal during the last appearance in the competition.
Juve had clawed back a three-goal first leg deficit away to Real Madrid in their quarter-final last April. However, with the game in stoppage time, Michael Oliver awarded a penalty to the home team, which Cristiano Ronaldo would eventually convert. Buffon was furious at the decision and was sent off by Oliver after confronting the official. He made his feeling known about the decision in his post-match interview, too.
Uefa have now decided to issue a three-game suspension to the former Italy goalkeeper – for his red card and ‘general principles of conduct’. It’s unclear at this stage when the ban will come into effect, although assuming his move to PSG goes ahead it’s likely he will be ineligible for the first three games of next season’s Champions League group stages.
Reports have claimed Buffon has been offered a two-year deal to move to PSG. Such a move would allow him another chance to win the Champions League, a title that has eluded him throughout his career.
Uefa also announced that Roma have been fined almost £44,000 by Uefa following crowd disturbances at their Champions League semi-final first leg with Liverpool at Anfield.
