Buffon on turning down Barcelona's offer: "I didn't want to be No.2"
The Italian goalkeeper has returned to Parma for the final years of his career
A few weeks ago SPORT revealed that Barcelona had sounded out the possible signing of Gianluigi Buffon to be Marc ter Stegen's backup.
The Italian goalkeeper was available on a free transfer after leaving Juventus and wanted a new adventure, but in the end he returned to Parma, the club where he started, to play in Serie B.
At his presentation this week, Buffon referred to the offers he had and justified his final choice. Asked about Barça, he didn't deny it, saying he turned down offers where he would have been No.2.
"I had two big offers, but I didn't want to be a substitute again, I was tired of being the second choice," he said. "I did it at Juve because of the link I have with the club, but to be honest I didn't want to do it again, not like the last two years.
"I had other interesting offers, even from teams in the Champions League, but the emotional implication (with Parma) made my mind up."
"That emotion is the only way to keep playing at a high level. I knew Parma could give me something no other team would. I am happy with the affection shown to me. I feel at home. I love it here."
