Buffon surprised by Juventus star Chiesa: “Didn’t think he was that good”

Italy’s goalkeeper legend Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that he was surprised by the outstanding performances of his former team-mate Federico Chiesa at the EM. “When he arrived at Juve, I didn’t think he was that good. I’ll be honest. He was unbelievable at the European Championships, he was unstoppable in the final against England,” said Buffon Gazzetta dello Sport.

Chiesa moved from Fiorentina to Juventus Turin on the last day of the transfer window last October. The deal initially provides for a two-year loan, but also includes a purchase obligation for Juve, which applies under certain conditions.

Buffon on Chiesa: “Shows that he is really special”

The 23-year-old Chiesa convinced the old lady from the start and was involved in 24 goals in 43 competitive games. In a team with numerous fluctuations, Chiesa was one of the reliable pillars. At the European Championships, the flank player seamlessly continued the strong season at the club. He contributed two goals to the title in the course of the tournament.

“After the season with Federico at Juve, it was not a surprise to me, but it was not natural that he would play at such a high level at the European Championships. If someone does things like that at such a level, it shows that he is is really special “, Buffon ennobled his former teammate.

Buffon himself had returned to his youth club Parma Calcio in the summer and is gradually ending his career in Serie B at the age of 43. However, he does not have an exact date for his resignation in mind. “I’m moving on because I have a dream,” he said. “But the results have to be right. As soon as I notice that I’m slacking off even a little, I’ll stop a minute later,” Buffon clarifies.