“I’m returning to the national team because that kid who went through the gates of (Azzurri training centre) Coverciano for the first time 30 years ago still has the desire to dream and experience the dream with the Italian fans,” the 45-year-old goalkeeping great said.
“The national team comes before everything and nothing would have stopped me returning home.
“The Italy shirt has always been a part of my life.
“I wore it with pride and honoured it with commitment.
“I cried when we won the World Cup and when we didn’t manage to qualify (for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments).”
Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina said that it was “a great day for the Italian national team”.
“Buffon is an icon of our football and a special person,” he added.
ANSA
