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When looking at two of Juventus' most consistent performers over the last five title-winning seasons, who pops into your head? If Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Barzagli are two of the first names you think of, then you're more than just on the right track. If there's a top five when it comes to that category, then they're easily there, if not within the top three.
They've been good, damn good. And it's not like they're going anywhere, too.
In a joint press conference with club president Andrea Agnelli, Buffon and Barzagli officially announced that they have both extended their contracts with Juventus through the 2017-18 season. It is a move that should surprise nobody considering who we're talking about here, but it's a day that signifies that these two pillars of Juventus' five-year title run are still incredibly important cogs to the club's success.
OFFICIAL: @andreabarzagli2 and @gianluigibuffon extend contracts until 30 June 2018. #Barzagli2018 #Buffon2018 pic.twitter.com/jwte2odKq4
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) May 11, 2016
Good news day? Yeah, good news day.
As expected as this was, to see those two players who have been massive contributors to the club — especially at their age — sit up on that podium and talk about how committed they are to this club will never get old. I mean, never, ever, ever. They obviously arrived with two completely different kind transfer fees, but they have proven to be two of Juventus' most consistent and important players. And because of that, no matter how young or old they may be, you make sure that they're as happy as can be and maintain the desire to continue on this path.
Sure, the odds of Buffon and Barzagli leaving the club before they each retire was basically non-existent, but this is a good day. A really, really good day. There should be contract extensions more often. (Maybe since there's been three in less than a week I'm speaking with recency bias, but I don't care.)