Buffon eager to seize his chance to clinch elusive prize

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon knows he cannot let slip this chance to finally fulfil his dream of Champions League glory.

The best shot-stopper of his generation has a medal collection befitting of his standing in the game, but continental glory remains a glaring omission from the veteran’s success-laden CV. Buffon, pictured, is the sole survivor of the Juventus side that lost the 2003 final to AC Milan and feared his last chance at Champions League glory had passed by after suffering the same fate against Barcelona two years ago.

But, at the age of 39, the World Cup winner finally has a chance to win the trophy he dreams of when his side face holders Real Madrid under the roof in Cardiff. “Probably the emotions I might feel might be different to any other guy who is younger than me or any other player like Dani,” Buffon said, sat next to threetime Champions League winner Dani Alves at the prematch press conference.

“Dani has already won this competition and he has at least four or five years ahead of him in his career

“I have to exclude this possibility as far as I am concerned, so, yes, it will be much more special for me. But at the same time, I want to play this game without regrets and without thinking of these issues.

“I am aware that if I play well, I will be able to help my team so this would be the greatest gift I could give my team-mates.”