Buffon: Juventus’ mental strength and experience favoured us

Juventus marked the end of an era with their seventh straight Scudetto at the end of the 2017-18 season with club captain Gianluigi Buffon leaving the club. The 40-year-old spent seventeen seasons with the Bianconeri, ending up as one of the most decorated players to have ever stepped on the pitch.

Speaking with Sky Sport Italia (via Football Italia), Gigi reflected on how last season was a closer Scudetto battle than any other.

“Napoli went beyond their rosiest expectations this season. At one point, I really believed they would win the Scudetto, because they had the psychological advantage.

“Instead, our mental strength and above all our experience favoured us. If I were them, I’d feel a bit of regret because their Europa League campaign finished so early. They had every opportunity to go all the way in that competition.

”The important thing is that Napoli shouldn’t feel their achievements are diminished by not winning the title, as their style of football made everyone fall in love with them.”

While he was unable to win the coveted Champions League trophy with Juve, he commended AS Roma for their battling performances that saw them reach the semis last season.

“I really liked their performances under Eusebio Di Francesco. That city and those fans needed a change of mentality and it’s what they got. Their journey in the Champions League was incredible.”

On his decision to leave Serie A -

“I gave what I could, in terms of talent and of nervous energy. Now I leave space to the younger players who must get accustomed to taking on even small amounts of responsibility so they can get bigger and bigger.

“That is what they need more than anything in order to really grow.”