GIANLUIGI BUFFON rolled back the years making a work-class save for Parma.

The legendary Italian goalkeeper may be 43-years-old, but he showed he still has it when he lined up for new club Parma in a pre-season friendly against Sassuolo.

World Cup winner Buffon will be playing in Serie B next season after making an emotional return to his boyhood club after 20 years with Juventus.

Parma were beaten 3-0 by their Serie A rivals on the night – but Buffon still managed to steal the show with a world-class save at the back post.

The ball was cut across Parma's penalty area for Sassuolo striker Francesco Caputo.

He connected with his shot well but was denied by a sprawling Buffon.

Buffon's reactionary save bounced back up onto the head of Caputo, but the striker failed to control the header sending it high up into the air.

And Buffon got back to his feet to catch the ball and bring the dangerous Sassuolo attack to an end.

The Italian reportedly turned down two big offers from big European clubs, one of them being Barcelona, to return to Parma.

He said: "I had two big offers, but I didn't want to be a substitute again. I was tired of being the second choice.

"I did it at Juventus 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.

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

DREAM TEAM 2021/22

PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON

• £100,000 prize pot up for grabs
• £50million budget to build your best XI
• Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
• Click here to play for FREE
• Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

"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."

⚽ Read our Transfer news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals

Source: Read Full Article