Gianluigi Buffon tipped to announce retirement this week

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has been tipped to announce his retirement this week.

The 40-year-old, who has made a record 176 appearances for Italy, is expected to call time on his playing days at a news conference at the Allianz Stadium in Turin this Thursday, according to BBC Sport.

Buffon, who captained Juve to a league and cup double this season, could make his 640th and final Serie A appearance for the club against Hellas Verona this weekend.

The legendary stopper has continued to turn out for the Italy national team, and could make his final appearance for them on June 4 in a friendly against the Netherlands.

Buffon made his senior debut for Parma in 1995.