Gianluigi Buffon to the Premier League? How the Retiring Legend Nearly Joined Man Utd and Man City

• Legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is set to announce his retirement from football
• The Italian shot-stopper last played for Parma Calcio in Serie B in the 2022-23 season
• Buffon nearly joined the Premier League with Manchester United and Manchester City

Gianluigi Buffon’s legendary career is about to end, with reports that he’ll be announcing his retirement from the sport in the coming days.

His football career spanned 32 years, starting with a youth spell with Parma in 1991 and finishing with that same club in Serie B in 2023.

There was a time, though, when he nearly joined the Premier League, specifically the two Manchester clubs.

Buffon's Manchester connection

Buffon spoke about his near transfer to the English top flight in an interview with Rio Ferdinand in 2019.

He told the former England defender that he could have joined the Premier League with Manchester United at the start of his football career or Manchester City while he was still at the peak of his powers.

Samuel Eto'o accused of attempting to ruin the career of Cameroonian goalie Andre Onana

Football

Buffon expounded on the Red Devils’ interest, saying:

“When I was a boy playing for Parma, [Sir Alex] Ferguson tracked me closely for two or three years, and he'd always send scouts to watch me. At the time, Parma was my world, and I didn't feel like leaving.”

Buffon went on to have an illustrious career in Serie A, playing for Parma and, later, Juventus in the Italian top flight.

Another Premier League team called again to see if he was interested in moving to England. The Italian legend talked about this English club, saying:

“I later had a very big offer from Manchester City when they started to build the team and become the most important side in Europe. They wanted me to be the first signing, but I stayed at Juve.”

Buffon’s greatest moments

Sports Brief recently reported on the top 5 moments of Buffon’s career with the goalkeeper set to announce his retirement.

Ten Hag finally reveals why Man United re-signed ex-defender on short-term deal

Football

Topping the list was his debut clean sheet display against Milan, accomplishing the feat at the age of 17 years and 295 days.

Also included was Buffon’s World Cup win, becoming the world’s most expensive keeper, and recording the most caps for Italy.