Buffon eyes short-term deal

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon wants to renew his contact but does not want it to be a long extension.

The Italy international has been at the Turin-based club since 2001, when he joined from Parma, and he was key to their Serie A success last season.

Buffon, 34, believes he has a few years left at the Juventus Stadium, at the very least, but wants to avoid becoming just an average shot-stopper by resting on his laurels.

“I’m convinced I can remain at a high level for another two or three years and I’d be better suited on a short contract, but I’ll talk with them,” the 34-year-old told Mediaset Premium.

“I’ve had a huge career and do not want to lie down on a long deal, I want to feel more on my toes, otherwise I’d become just a ‘normal’ goalkeeper.”

Juve beat Palermo 1-0 on Sunday and Buffon said part of the reason behind their lack of a resounding victory could be the effort being put into their Champions League progress, having topped their group with a 1-0 away win against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday.

“The European commitment there is taking a lot of energy, especially mentally,” he said.

“It’s not easy to make a commitment during the week and then (on) the Sunday have the same stimulation to perform.”