Juventus legend Buffon reveals how Man Utd delivered ‘biggest disappointment’ of his career

Joe Williams
Gianluigi Buffon during a loss to Man Utd

Gianluigi Buffon says Man Utd knocking Paris Saint-Germain out of the Champions League in 2019 was the “biggest disappointment” of his career.

The Red Devils pulled off an unlikely comeback four years ago under Ole Gunnar Solksjaer with Man Utd 2-0 down from their Round of 16 first leg against PSG, with Kylian Mbappe and Presnel Kimpembe scoring the goals.

But Man Utd achieved the unexpected by beating the French side 3-1 in Paris and advancing on away goals after Marcus Rashford scored a penalty in the fourth minute of second-half injury time.

Buffon was at fault for one of Romelu Lukaku’s two goals on the night, spilling a Rashford shot into the path of the onrushing striker, and the Italian claims it was the most disappointing night of his career.

“I was convinced, we were superior,” Buffon said on Twitch.

“We went to Manchester to play United in the first leg of the last 16 and we dominated, but they knocked us out in the second leg. That was the biggest disappointment of my career.”

On his time at PSG, Buffon added: “It was the most beautiful experience of my life. I felt like a free man. I quickly learned French, talked to people on the street, visited museums… I had the feeling of playing in a great team.”

Buffon left PSG to return to Juventus the summer after they lost to Man Utd. On his decision, Buffon continued: “Leaving was the biggest mistake of my life, I gave up 10 million euros.

“They told me that Areola would play in the Champions League and I didn’t accept it. For me, the one who deserves it plays. That’s why I returned to Juve. Then I regretted it , because Areola was injured and they signed Keylor Navas in his place.

“I would like to retire after next season, no more. I am competitive and I don’t want to be considered a second.”

Man Utd have been linked with numerous players already ahead of the summer transfer window but Fabrizio Romano claims their reported interest in Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves is not “concrete” yet, while they could consider bids for Scott McTominay.

Romano told Caught Offside: “Manchester United wanting Ruben Neves is not something that is concrete at this stage. We have to remember it’s still March, and Manchester United still don’t know their exact budget for the summer and their priority will be a striker.

“Manchester United rejected all January offers for Scott McTominay but this summer they will be discussed again. Newcastle United and Eddie Howe really like McTominay.”

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