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Gianluigi Buffon retires - the football world reacts

Jonathan Harding
November 14, 2017

Gianluigi Buffon is one of the great goalkeepers in football history, but after Italy's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Buffon said he has played his last international game. The football world responded.

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Fußball WM Qualifikation 2018 Italien - Schweden Gianluigi Buffon
Image: picture-alliance/Zumapress/M. Ciambelli

There was a moment when Gigi Buffon sprinted towards the opposition box that even football's greatest scriptwriters looked set to be surprised, but it wasn't to be. Italy weren't going to the 2018 World Cup- and Buffon's legendary international career ended with an undeserving whimper and not a bang.

After 175 caps, Buffon couldn't hold back the tears as he announced his retirement from the 'Azzurri' on television after the game.

And the football world responded to Buffon's final game for Italy. A wave of support from former teammates to fellow keepers poured out via social media as the football world took a moment to appreciate a legend of the game.

Even in his final moments in Italy colors, Buffon's respectful manner shone through.