Gianluigi Buffon reveals exactly why he decided to leave PSG | OneFootball

Gianluigi Buffon has revealed for the first time why he decided to leave Paris Saint-Germain after just one season in the French capital.

Buffon announced two weeks ago that he would be departing Parc des Princes after 12 months having played something a secondary role in the latter half of the campaign.

With moves for either Jan Oblak or David de Gea in the pipeline, it always looked as if the veteran shot-stopper would be slowly phased out at PSG.

And now the 41-year-old has admitted that his lack of playing time was one of the major factors behind his decision.

“The other day, I read a phrase that I really liked,” he told the Corriere dello Sport.

“Francesco Guidolin was asked if he’d be happy to return to Verona and he replied: ‘It’s emotions I am seeking.’ I’ll tell you the truth, I too am in search of emotions.

“PSG had already told me five months ago that at the end of the season, I’d be given the role of second choice goalkeeper.

“Since January, I had plenty of time to think about it and came to the conclusion that was not for me, so I gave up on a lot of money and the option for another year.

“Their request was absolutely legitimate, understandable and the offer was enticing. However, at the age of 41, I have this almost physiological need to feel sensations.

“Emotions translate to energy, dreams, feeling yourself a part of something. It is also a choice that will never conflict with my past at Juventus.

“I find myself now exactly like last summer, in an extraordinary condition of calm, a state of total relax where everything is open to me and it could all end in 12 months or in 15 days.

“I have received some nice proposals but if I lack the drive that I’m looking for, then I might gift myself a year just for me, all mine. A year of learning.

“I’d like to attend the coaching school, maybe study to be a director of sport, or even business school, I’d like to improve my English skills. I want to get the skills I need to keep all options open in future.

“I want to be clear, the experience in Paris was exceptional in every way. It had only one negative: it took it.”

Several clubs have been linked with Buffon since his surprise announcement, but so far the most credible links seem to be with Porto and Parma.