Gianluigi Buffon extends remarkable career by signing new Parma contract

The 44-year-old has committed himself to a new one-and-half-a-season contract at the Ennio Tardini Stadium.

Parma goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has signed a new contract at the club until the summer of 2024.

By time his new deal runs out, the Italian World Cup winner will be 46 years of age.

Parma’s decision to extend Buffon’s contract comes less than a year after he returned to his boyhood club from Juventus, exactly two decades on from his initial departure.

Despite his advancing years, Buffon has proved a safe pair of hands between the posts. The goalkeeper has inserted himself as the No.1, featuring in 23 Serie B games this season.

#Buffon2024 💪🏻🟡🔵#ForzaParma pic.twitter.com/HbDd6OwN8t

— Parma Calcio 1913 (@1913parmacalcio) February 28, 2022

‘He is a great player, a pride for us’

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Parma president Kyle Krause confirmed the 44-year-old had signed a new deal.

“I have great news, Gigi has renewed his contract until 2024,” Krause told the reporters.

“He is a great player, a pride for us: Gigi has a great passion for Parma, we are very happy for his support and his commitment.”

Can Buffon keep a clean sheet in Parma’s next game?

While Parma have struggled in the Italian second division, Buffon has still posted a respectable eight clean sheets in 23 matches.

Interestedly, the former Juventus and PSG keeper has kept a clean sheet in each of his last three away appearances against Benevento, Alessandria, and Ascoli ahead of Wednesday’s visit to Monza.

Can he make it four in a row?