Gianluigi Buffon has confirmed he will remain at Juventus despite their relegation.
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has confirmed he will remain with the club despite their relegation to Serie B.The Italian World Cup winning keeper had been tipped to leave the Stadio Delle Alpi following the Old Lady's relegation for their part in the match-fixing scandal.
Despite interest from Milan, Internazionale and Arsenal, Buffon has now confirmed he intends to stay and help Juve make an instant return to Italy's top-flight.
The 28-year-old admits he was tempted to ply his trade elsewhere during the coming season, with Arsenal among the clubs he would have been interested in joining.
However, after Juventus paid £33 million for Buffon's services in 2001, the former Parma man says he wants to repay their faith and stay at the club.
"I cannot hide that, after five years here, I was tempted by a new experience," Buffon said.
"That could have been Milan, Internazionale or Arsenal, and I think I would have tended towards Milan.
"This club has helped me to win and if I have become world champion, it is thanks to Juve.
"I can cope with a year in the second division and I will look to do something new and win the Serie B title."
Alongside Buffon, new Juventus coach Didier Deschamps has also confirmed that striker David Trezeguet and midfielder Mauro Camoranesi will also remain with the club.
"He's not uncertain, David chose Juve and I'm really happy," Deschamps told Corriere dello Sport.
"Camoranesi will remain here too."
Another player definitely staying at the Stadio Delle Alpi, Alessandro Del Piero, has been reassured by Deschamps that he will have a huge role to play in the coming season.
However, the French tactician has insisted he will only get his place back if he improves his fitness.
"For me, he's a regular," Deschamps confirmed. "I've spoken for a long time with him and I know he suffered a lot in the last two years.
"I've explained he must put himself in the right condition to be a regular."
Meanwhile, Deschamps still holds a hope that Juventus will be reinstated in Italy's top-flight on appeal.
Lazio, Fiorentina and Milan, all also found guilty during the match-fixing trial, have been allowed to remain in Serie A, albeit with points reductions, and Deschamps hopes for a similar outcome for Juventus.
"What is missing from this team? I don't know because I don't know the starting point," he added.
"I still believe in Serie A. If other clubs got it, I think they should have to give to us too.
"But if we stay in Serie B, we will try earn promotion. With 95 of the 126 points we would be able to do it.
"A Juve that comes back to Serie A can't remain in the middle of the standings but must aim immediately for the scudetto.
"I can't reveal certain things, but I assure you that the Juve plan is a really serious one."
