The End Is Nigh!

As an unabashed fan, I am dreading tomorrow's media conference in Turin, northern Italy, to be held by Gianluigi (Gigi) Buffon.

It is widely expected that this media conference will be where Gigi calls time on his incredible career. His last game at Juventus and probably his last game ever in a competitive role will be this weekend at his beloved Juventus Stadium in front of his adoring fans. His last game and Juventus's last game for another successful season (after they won their 7th consecutive Serie A title last weekend).

For the record, Gigi Buffon is now 40 years of age and apart from winning 7 straight Serie A titles on top of so many more trophies with Juventus, is a World Cup winner with Italy in 2006. In fact, Buffon played for the Azzurri on more than 170 times!

It is not just what Buffon has done as a footballer that has amazed people, it is the way he conducts himself on all fronts. The images I can never forget are the many occasions he has been seen to bring his own unruly fans to order to respect the national anthems of opposing teams. See video of just how Gigi goes about his football;

Many millions of around the world are dreading it, but Gigi's time has come!

I hope he now takes his global appeal to working for Juventus and Italy off the park!

If there is one word that describes Gianluigi Buffon, it is respect. Forza Gigi!