Gianluigi Buffon could spend a year out of football after turning down Paris Saint-Germain’s lucrative offer of a second season because he did not want to watch from the bench.
Italy legend Buffon parted ways with the Ligue 1 champions following the end of his maiden campaign in France.
The 41-year-old agreed with the club not to pursue the option of a further 12 months despite having the opportunity to take up an extension at Parc des Princes.
“PSG told me five months ago that I would be the second goalkeeper next season,” Buffon told Corriere dello Sport.
“I had plenty of time to think about it and I came to the conclusion that this was not for me, so I gave up a lot of money and a one-year option.
“Their request was absolutely legitimate, understandable and was an attractive offer.
“Today I find myself in a situation like last summer, in an extraordinary state of serenity, in a state of total relaxation where everything is open and it could all end in twelve months or in fifteen days.
“Some good proposals have arrived, but if I don’t have the right motivation I can decide to take a year all for myself, all mine. One year of education.”
