A new book on the football market: the autobiography of Gianluigi Buffon, one of the world’s best goalkeepers of all time.The Italian Corriere della Sera newspaper has published excerpts from the book entitled “Falling, rising, falling, rising” which is on sale throughout Italy today.Who were his biggest rivals:”It’s difficult to choose because I played against three generations: Zidane, Ronaldo, Messi, Cristiano, Iniesta… Should I choose one? Neymar. What a player and guy he was, he deserved five Ballon d’Or awards.”Neymar’s agent denies rumors: “His father and I are the only ones concerned about his future”And when it comes to teams:”Barcelona from 2015 and Real Madrid from 2017. They were the best teams in the last 20 years. And Shevchenko’s Milan, to whom I lost in 2003″.Buffon revealed that he struggled with depression in the middle of his career.”It was towards the end of 2003, after two consecutive Scudettos, I felt a drop. I was empty, I slept badly, I was worried. I felt anxiety attacks on the field, I couldn’t breathe or play. The match between Juventus and Reggina was coming up, and our goalkeeper coach, Ivano Bordon, told me that I didn’t have to play. I looked at my colleague, Chimenti, who is a great friend of mine, and thought that I was at a defining moment in my career. I knew that if I didn’t get back on the field, I would set a dangerous precedent for myself, which could backfire and I could end up not playing football anymore. That’s why I went on the pitch. I defended well, and that was decisive because we won 1-0. But the problem still existed and Dr. Agricola confirmed the diagnosis: depression.”‘That’s all folks’: Italian legend Buffon retires at 45It is interesting how Buffon got out of that situation.”I refused to take pills, I was afraid of becoming addicted. I was advised to find a new passion outside of football and discovered painting. There was a Chagall exhibition in Turin and I stayed there for an hour. It was a simple picture: Chagall holding the hand of his wife Bella while she was flying. I came back the next day, and they told me it was the same exhibit. I said: yes, I know, but I want to see it again.”Buffon also had a strange episode in his career when he wore the number 88 jersey, which led to him being accused of supporting racism.”I had no idea that the number 88, which was on my jersey, meant ‘Heil Hitler’ to some people. To me, it was just the symbol of the four balls. I am neither a fascist nor a racist. I named my first son Louis Thomas after my boyhood idol Thomas N’kono. I was the only European who went to his farewell match in Cameroon”.Superman returns home: Buffon officially in ParmaBuffon revealed that he had an offer – from Barcelona.”I had an offer from Barcelona to be a reserve keeper there. I liked the idea of playing with Messi after Cristiano. However, one day while I was driving I heard a song I loved very much and hadn’t heard it in ten years. I raised my head and saw on the board a road sign for Parma. I took it as a sign: to finish where I started”.##NAJAVA_MECA_8512193##
