4 Buffon’s Unknown Facts

DBasia.news – Gianluigi Buffon is officially joining France top club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Buffon was joining for free in a year contract.

This is the first time the 40 years old keeper supported club outside Italy. During his 23 years career, Buffon played for two clubs, Parma and Juventus.

Here are Gianluigi Buffon’s interesting facts:

1. Inheriting Tough Athlete

His mother, Maria Stella was a discus throw athlete who held the Italian record for 17 years. His father, Adriano was Italy junior champion for shot-put.

While her two elder sisters, Guendalina and Veronica are professional volleyball athlete. While former AC Milan and Italy keeper, Lorenzo Buffon, is his cousin.

2. Afraid of Wasp

But football has succeeded in easing his fear. Just like what Fabio Capello said.

“Just before a game his goalkeeping coach told me Buffon couldn’t play – he couldn’t throw himself around because there were too many wasps,” Fabio Capello explained.

“OK no problem,’ I said, and just asked his understudy to get ready. Ten seconds later, Buffon told me his phobia was over because he really wanted to play.”

3. Borussia Monchengladbach’s Supporter

Believe it or not, Buffon is Germany club Borussia Monchengladbach supporter.

“When I was a child I didn’t know how to pronounce their name. I can do better now, but I still think it’s not quite right.”

When Juventus met Gladbach in 2015/2016 Champions League, Buffon gave his gloves to the Germany club supporter. Gladbach also sent his scarf with ‘A German team’ written on it,

4. Started Out As A Midfielder

When he started his career in football, Buffon is a midfielder. He decided to be a keeper after seeing Cameroon keeper, Thomas N’Kono, his role model. That’s why he named his son Louis Thomas. While the second son was named David Lee, as a tribute to Van Halen vocalist, David Lee Roth.