Gigi Buffon was moved to tears after Parma lost the Serie B promotion play-off to Cagliari. ‘There are defeats that make you feel surrounded by thousands of arms, where tears represent in reality sowing of seeds.’
The Ducali had been leading the first leg 2-0 only to fall 3-2, then last night’s match ended goalless at the Stadio Tardini to send Cagliari through to the promotion play-off Final against Bari.
Buffon was not able to play in the match due to injury, so could only look on in frustration as they were forced to remain in Serie B for another year.
“There are defeats that leave within you only a sense of loss and profound solitude,” wrote Buffon on his Instagram account.
“And there are defeats that, on the contrary, leave you feeling as if you are surrounded by thousands of arms, where tears in reality represent the sowing of seeds.
“There is something that strangely unites you beyond the sporting result, making you look like one of those faces you see in the crowd, making you realise that you belong to what they belong to.
“An awareness that has grown over time, like an umbilical cord that unites everyone, made of passion, respect, gratitude, hearts and hands that truly know how to support you.
“In the midst of all this harsh reality, feeling in the depths of my heart that profound need to tell you once again: Thank you, incredible people of Parma!”
Although he turned 45 in January, the goalkeeper is still under contract with Parma until June 2024 and does not at this moment seem likely to hang up his gloves.
Buffon started his career at the Stadio Tardini in 1994, moving to Juventus in 2001, then PSG before returning to his first club in 2021. (FootballItalia)