Barcelona forward Neymar hails Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon ahead of UEFA Champions League Final

Barcelona forward Neymar has hailed Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon ahead of Saturday’s UEFA Champions League Final. The Brazil international – capped 62 times since 2010 – will likely face off against the legendary Italian stopper when Barcelona meet Juventus at Berlin’s Olympiastadion. According to Neymar, Buffon should be considered among the greatest goalkeepers of all […]
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sambafoot_admin
2015-06-06 01:37:00

Barcelona forward Neymar has hailed Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon ahead of Saturday’s UEFA Champions League Final.

The Brazil international – capped 62 times since 2010 – will likely face off against the legendary Italian stopper when Barcelona meet Juventus at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.

According to Neymar, Buffon should be considered among the greatest goalkeepers of all time, while he also admits his respect for the veteran extends all the way back to his youth. 

“Buffon is one of the best ever,” he said in a pre-match press conference, as reported by website Football Italia.

“When I was little I used to play as him on the Playstation, I was a big fan of his and I’d be happy if I could score past him.

“It would mean a lot. I hope to score, but the important thing is to win. They’re a great team, they wouldn’t be here if that wasn’t the case. It’ll be difficult.

“Nothing is settled, the best team will win.”

Neymar is expected to start for Barcelona as part of a front three that will also include Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez.

This season, the 23 year-old has grown into an increasingly invaluable member of Head Coach Luis Enrique’s squad and has netted 38 goals in 50 appearances in all competitions.

In contrast, Buffon will also consider that he has had a strong campaign. The 37 year-old, who will captain Juventus, has kept 24 clean sheets in 46 appearances in all competitions and only conceded 29 goals.