Gianluigi Buffon is preparing for another final. The long-time Turin "Juventus" goalkeeper is determined to finally win the Champions League trophy - the only trophy he doesn't have yet. For the 37-year-old Italian, it would be the best gift for his loyalty to the Turin club. The news portal lrytas.lt prepared an interview from "L'Equipe". - A couple of years ago, when you lost to "Bayern" in the Champions League quarterfinals, Franz Beckenbauer compared you to a pensioner. But now in June you will play in the final, while the Munich players will already be resting... - Yes, but I never seek revenge against anyone. We lost to "Bayern" back then, but it was just one game. I had a good season, but I made mistakes, as happens every season. I really didn't get upset about that comment. I am very self-critical, so I always know when I play well or poorly. I don't need to listen to advice, let alone hear talk about when I should retire. - Have you never felt afraid of staying on the field for too long during a season? - I don't usually receive criticism like F. Beckenbauer's! Everyone sees the field, and my responses, despite my age, are good enough for now. I don't give many chances for criticism with my gameplay. I am mature enough to understand that I can still be the main team goalkeeper for two or three more seasons if I maintain my current physical and psychological form. I don't want to take on a reserve role. My goal is to reach 40 years old, still being the number 1 goalkeeper. - So, do you hope to play until the 2018 World Cup in Russia? - I would be lying if I said otherwise. It is normal for players accustomed to the highest level of competition and important goals to always have too many and perhaps unreasonable ambitions (laughs). But this is the only way to demand everything from oneself. The World Cup is only three years away - a lot for my age, but I can reach it. - What is the hardest thing over the years: physical body fatigue or the burden on the mind from a certain psychological routine? - Probably the mind gets more tired. I started playing football when I was seven, so I have been doing the same things every day for 30 years! A sportsman's life is perfectly regimented, it's a wonderful routine, but sometimes it really weighs on you. To avoid routine, you must have ambitions and set new goals for yourself. I tell myself that I have won a lot already, but I haven't won everything yet! - When you now look back on your career, what is the most beautiful memory? - The victory in the 2006 World Cup is the most beautiful gift that football has given me. For every child who starts attending football training, the biggest dream is to become a world champion. When you achieve that, it truly is unmatched. Even today, I am often reminded of how I blocked the ball after Z. Zidane's header. Everything that happens in such a final, every player's technical action, always stands out and later gains legendary value. - Do you believe that you can win the Champions League with "Juventus"? - It is the only title I am missing and a goal that I think about a lot. I want to achieve it and I will definitely not be surprised if I succeed before the end of my career. I work hard for that and believe that when you work, fate rewards you in return.
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