"I had two big offers, but I didn't want to be a substitute again, I was tired of being the second choice," Gianluigi Buffon said during his unveiling as a Parma player on Wednesday, as quoted by Sport.
"I did it at Juve because of the link I have with the club, but to be honest I didn't want to do it again, not like the last two years.
"I had other interesting offers, even from teams in the Champions League, but the emotional implication (with Parma) made my mind up.
"That emotion is the only way to keep playing at a high level. I knew Parma could give me something no other team would. I am happy with the affection shown to me. I feel at home. I love it here."
Apparently, the 43-year-old didn't want to be Marc-Andre ter Stegen's backup at Camp Nou. On the other hand, he will now be playing in Serie B after rejoining his former club.
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There's 'absolutely nothing' between Buffon and Barca despite emerging rumours: Fabrizio Romano (reliability: 5 stars)
Despite emerging rumours from the Spanish media, there's 'absolutely nothing' between Gianluigi Buffon and Barcelona, not even talks, according to reliable Fabrizio Romano who refers to Sky Italia's Matteo Moretto in his update.
"Gianluigi Buffon will decide whether to retire or continue to play after considering any offers from other clubs in the next weeks," Romano has tweeted.
"Despite some rumours from Spain, there’s absolutely nothing with Barcelona - not even talks."
Buffon will be leaving Juventus at the end of the season, the 43-year-old confirmed earlier this month.
"We have reached the end of a cycle and so it is right for me to take my leave," Gianluigi told beIN Sports. "This beautiful and very long experience with Juve will come to a definitive end this year.
"Either I stop playing, or if I find a situation that motivates me to play or have a different life experience, I will take it into consideration.
"I feel I gave everything for Juve. I have received everything and more than this cannot be done."
Fabrizio Romano: Buffon allegedly snubbed Barca for Juve
Boom! Instead of Valencia's Neto, Barcelona could have signed Juventus and Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon as the second-choice goalkeeper. Could you imagine that? However, the Italian great eventually snubbed the Catalan giants for the Bianconeri return, as per Fabrizio Romano.
The report says Buffon was originally ready to join Barcelona as he received the green lights from the Blaugrana board. The player himself didn't mind being just a back-up to Marc-Andre ter Stegen. But everything has changed when an offer from Juventus has arrived. After all, the Italian spent 17 years with the Bianconeri.
Sources from Italy now claim that the deal is done. Just like Barcelona, Juventus are only going to sign the 41-year-old for one season. However, Buffon is set to join the club's board and continue his Bianconeri journey. His main priority remains the Champions League triumph, though.
The 2018/19 season, Buffon spent at Paris Saint-Germain. During his long-time career, Buffon has faced FC Barcelona seven times. The goalkeeper has kept a clean sheet on three occasions and was instrumental in the Champions League quarter-final win back in the 2016/2017 season. However, he lost 3-1 the crucial Champions League final against the same opponents two years before.
