Mixed Emotions As Buffon Prepares For Parma
Thursday 15th November 2001
Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon has admitted he will face a crisis of identity when he lines up against former club Parma for the first time on Sunday. "I have not enough words to make you understand what Parma means to me," he said.
Buffon was raised in Parma and became a local hero with the Biancoscudati after making his debut at just 17, but last summer he moved to Juventus in a world record �33 million deal.
The brilliant 23-year-old Italy international said the switch was purely a career decision, but he admits it will be a strange experience when Parma visit the Delle Alpi on Sunday.
He said: "I was born in Carrara but my family left there when I was a baby and then I grew up in Parma. I think Parma considers me her son and I consider Parma my mother.
"I had a great relationship with the supporters there, some of them were my school friends. I know they were unhappy when I chose to go to Juventus but I think they understand that I had to make the right choice for my career."
Buffon also enjoyed an excellent relationship with the management and players at Parma.
"Fabio Cannavaro is still my best friend, and he will be the first I will embrace on Sunday. The boss Callisto Tanzi and his son, president Stefano, were also very close to the team," he said.
Buffon, however, expects no favours out on the pitch.
"They will be stronger with Daniel Passarella's arrival. He has brought a new enthusiasm to the club and a new way of thinking. I am waiting for a great reaction from Parma."
Buffon has quickly shown his quality at his new club, despite a difficult start to the season for Juventus, and he was named on the short-list for European Player of the Year this week.
"I am happy that people thought of me, and I would like to win the prize, but really it will be very tough. Strikers are always favourites," he said.
