Tottenham Hotspur captain Hugo Lloris has revealed that Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was an inspiration for him as a young player.
Lloris could play against the 39-year-old during Saturday's pre-season friendly between the two clubs at Wembley - Tottenham's final warm-up game before the new Premier League season gets underway.
The France international was effusive in his praise for his opposite number, describing Buffon as a "legendary player".
"There is something special and it's difficult to describe it, but he's a player who can inspire those around him. Juventus have had so many legendary players and there is still one there in Gianluigi Buffon," Lloris told the club's official website.
"When I was younger I was completely a fan. He's the kind of player who can inspire you and when I was 15, 16, that kind of player and Iker Casillas as well, they both started so young and that was an inspiration for me. I wanted to start young as well and that's what I did.
"After 16 seasons [at Juve] he shows he has the same ambition and motivation as in the past. To stay at the top at that age means you have to work harder than others and that's why he's the best. In terms of longevity, it's amazing what he's done."
Spurs begin the new Premier League season away to Newcastle United next Sunday.
Barney Corkhill
