Buffon receives touching tributes from world’s best on Twitter following retirement

A flood of touching tributes was directed at Gianluigi Buffon on Twitter after his decision to retire from international football.

Buffon suffered a heartbreaking end to his international career as Italy lost on aggregate to Sweden following a 0-0 draw at San Siro yesterday, failing to qualify for next year’s World Cup for the first time since 1958.

The world’s best, among which other sports’ legends, were quick to express their support and praise for the long-serving keeper.

Here is what they said: 

https://twitter.com/FranckRibery/status/930202030001524738

https://twitter.com/lewy_official/status/930196439610855424

https://twitter.com/TheBorisBecker/status/930207476796018689

https://twitter.com/AlvaroMorata/status/930357072713134080

https://twitter.com/didierdrogba/status/930282656423694337

https://twitter.com/Guaje7Villa/status/930218464840769536

https://twitter.com/SergioRamos/status/930206600958300161

https://twitter.com/IkerCasillas/status/930202839191875585

https://twitter.com/Podolski10/status/930211543169617920

Buffon’s retirement comes just three months before he turns 40 in January, with Danieli De Rossi and Andrea Barzagli also putting an end to their international careers. He won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, beating France in the final, and donned the silver medal in the UEFA European Championship six years later. 

He made his debut for Italy in 1997 and played in five World Cups – 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014.