BUFFON WILL KEEP HUNGRY

GIANLUIGI BUFFON is refusing to believe tonight could be his last-ever Champions League game.

The Juventus legend (above) is in the final year of his contract and it could be the end for one of football’s all-time greats even though the club want to keep him for another 12 months.

On playing his last game among the European elite, Buffon, 40, said: “That has not even crossed my mind at all, I’m always optimistic as a person.

“I’m hopeful it will not be my last game, and not our last game in the Champions League this season.”

Buffon has faced competition this season from former Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny, who seems destined to be his long-term successor.

Former Italy World Cup keeper Buffon was criticised for his display in the first leg against Tottenham but says Juventus will respond like a “wounded animal”.

Buffon, who also compared Harry Kane to retired goal machine Gabriel Batistuta (left), added: “Even to feel the slightest error has been a motivating factor for me to go back out there and prove myself and that’s part of the reason why I’m still able to play at 40 years old.

“The comparison (Kane and Batistuta) is a very appropriate one. At the moment there’s no doubt that Kane is among the best two or three attackers in the world.

“Spurs have a lot of great attackers and that should be taken into account about the first leg.”