Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has revealed that his father persuaded him to turn down Barcelona to join the Bianconeri from Parma in 2001.
The 35-year-old, who recently penned a new contract with the Italian champions, also declared that he had a lucrative offer from Eastern Europe last year.
He said that he is grateful to his father for helping him to choose Juve and is not thinking about retirement any time soon.
"Before joining the Bianconeri in 2001, I could've gone to Barcelona," he told Sport Mediaset. "My father suggested Juventus. I still thank him to this day, as I had many satisfying moments here. The Barcelona back then was not the same team as today.
"Signing a contract renewal in 2013 was another important step. I decided to stay at Juventus, even though I had an important offer from Eastern Europe that would've made anyone wobble.
"I hope to play for a few more years, as long as I will be able to surprise the way I always have done in my career."
The Italian international has won four Scudettos during his time with the club.
Michael Penkman
