Gianluigi Buffon

“I've made a lot of mistakes in my life, but I think that's normal for someone who wants to grow and develop. You will have to overcome plenty of obstacles, and it is normal that you should stumble sometimes.”

“When you're on the field, you've got to deliver. It doesn't matter what you potentially could deliver or what you might be able to deliver in future - you've got to deliver it there and then.”

“The pitch is the most beautiful part of the game; it gives you emotions which bring meaning to life.”

“To the fans, it does not matter a damn how you are. You are seen as the footballer, the idol, so no one thinks to stop and ask you, 'Hey, how are you?'”

“When you go somewhere and think it will be your last time there, you always appreciate the beauty of it even more and want to crystallise emotions that you will keep with you forever.”

“Don't be a keeper.”

“Up to 30 years old, I was carried by natural talent, combined with a good level of professionalism. But since turning 30, I've gained a desire to sweat in the real sense of the word, to understand where I need to improve. Competitiveness, now, is essential.”

“I do not take to the field to defend myself from certain criticisms. If I do, in this kind of career, it is because I'm very self-critical.”

“In my opinion, there are fewer and fewer great goalkeepers because, with respect to when I started, they have to do so much more compared with in the past.”

“I went through a lot of changes and a period of depression. I'd reached an age when I had to grow up and start taking life a bit more seriously, which had a huge impact on me. I suffered terrible anxiety, and sometimes, in the middle of a game, my legs would start shaking uncontrollably. It was pretty scary.”

“Would I still be playing at the top level at the age of 37 years if I had any weaknesses?”

“I can no longer understand what the parameters are for valuing a player. It's all too random and in the hands of whoever has more money.”

“If I can push myself up to the 2018 World Cup, then I'll go on. After that, I'll close the door and stop playing football.”

“I took what I've been given, and I got where I did on the basis of something that is often undervalued - merit.”

“I have a wealth of experience, but I do not want to coach. I rather like the role of recruiter.”

“I have not lost an awful lot in my life, but the defeats have taught me more than the victories. Whenever I lose, I focus on the ability of my opponent and on the mistakes I made.”

“My first memory of the national team is the 1982 World Cup. I remember those days at our home or at my uncle's house, with all the family and those long dinners watching the matches. But I also remember that, during the games, I went outside or onto the balcony to play.”

“I was 12 when I turned my back on my goal. And I will keep doing it as long as my legs, my head, and my heart will allow.”