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Gianluigi Buffon has taken a swipe at his old club Paris Saint-Germain, explaining why it was impossible for him to win the UEFA Champions League with the French side
Gianluigi Buffon, the iconic Italian goalkeeper whose name is synonymous with footballing excellence, has shed light on why Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has struggled to secure the coveted Champions League title.
Despite the French club's substantial investment and assembling a squad brimming with world-class talent since Qatar Sports Investments' takeover in 2013, Champions League glory has remained elusive.
A Glimpse Into PSG's Stellar Squad
In an illuminating conversation with the YouTube channel BSMT, Buffon, revered as the most-capped Italian footballer, reflected on his brief tenure with PSG.
After an illustrious eighteen-year spell at Juventus, which saw him clinch nine Serie A titles among other domestic honors, Buffon sought the Champions League triumph that had narrowly slipped through his fingers in Italy. "At Juventus, I thought we were the best in the world, then I saw all these players together in Paris: Neymar, Mbappé, Verratti, or even Marquinhos and Thiago Silva,” Buffon remarked, emphasizing the sheer quality PSG boasted.
The Elusive Champions League Glory
Buffon's move to PSG was fueled by a desire to finally capture the Champions League title, a dream that remained unfulfilled during his time at Juventus despite reaching the finals three times. “If we had transferred them to Turin, we would have won four Champions Leagues in a row,” he speculated, highlighting the potential of PSG's star-studded lineup to dominate Europe.
However, Buffon's Champions League aspirations with PSG quickly dissolved as he encountered the same stumbling blocks that had plagued the club's European campaigns. It wasn't the squad's ability or dedication that Buffon questioned but rather an intrinsic aspect of the club's culture and environment. “Every time, I asked myself: How come they don’t win the Champions League there? I told myself that it was incomprehensible and then by living there all year round, I understood why…”
A Season of Reflection for Buffon
Buffon's stint with PSG was short-lived, lasting only a season before he made his return to Juventus. Despite adding a tenth Serie A title to his illustrious collection upon his return to Turin, his time in Paris is often remembered for critical mistakes that contributed to PSG's Champions League downfall against Manchester United under Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
Gianluigi Buffon's insights provide a rare glimpse into the challenges faced by PSG in their quest for Champions League success. While the club continues to dominate the French domestic scene, Buffon's reflections underscore the complex, intangible factors that often dictate success on the European stage. As PSG looks to the future, the wisdom of football legends like Buffon may offer valuable lessons in their ongoing pursuit of European glory.
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