Today is your moment - Juventus legend Del Piero pays tribute to Buffon

Juventus great Alessandro Del Piero paid an emotional tribute to his former team-mate Gianluigi Buffon after the goalkeeper's final game for the club.

Buffon, who turned 40 in January, bid farewell to Juve in the 2-1 victory over Verona on Saturday, as the Bianconeri celebrated their seventh straight Scudetto with a win.

Del Piero won the 2006 World Cup alongside Buffon for Italy and posted a glowing tribute to the former Parma keeper on his official Instagram page.

"Today is your moment, Gigi. It's the day in which you looked everyone in the eyes, shaking off the tears as you saluted your fans for the last time," Del Piero wrote.

"You lifted another trophy of a legendary and infinite career that I was privileged enough to experience with you for half my life. You have been magnificent.

"I left you with the first Scudetto, today you said goodbye holding the seventh. Seven Serie A titles in a row: crazy!

"You should know well, though, that the story in reality will never end. It's a story that forged you and will guide you in a future that will be full of emotion, success and a sea of things to do.

"It's a story that never goes away. Good luck in the future, Gigi. You deserve it."

A photo posted by on

Goals from Daniele Rugani and Miralem Pjanic put Juve in control early in the second half at Allianz Stadium, allowing Buffon to take centre stage when he made way to a standing ovation just after the hour.

Buffon made his way around the edge of the pitch to say goodbye to the Bianconeri faithful while the game continued - Alessio Cerci pulling one back for the visitors before Stephan Lichtsteiner missed a late penalty.

Switzerland international Lichtsteiner is also calling time on his Juve career and he paid tribute to Buffon on Twitter.

"Goodbye idol," Lichtsteiner said. "You are and will remain not only the best goalkeeper in the history of football, but you are and will remain a perfect captain.

"A point of reference, a role model for a great class, tireless work and perfect behaviour. Simply phenomenal, on the field and as a man!"

Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola holds aloft the Premier League trophy at the Etihad in May 2023.
Quiz! Can you name every Premier League champion... in just 90 seconds?
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reacts at full-time of the Premier League match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 9 March, 2025
Manchester United make exciting teenager 'top priority' this summer: report
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool set for major PSR hit ahead of the summer: report
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Latest in News
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reacts at full-time of the Premier League match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 9 March, 2025
Manchester United make exciting teenager 'top priority' this summer: report
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool set for major PSR hit ahead of the summer: report
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could still leave the club this month
'Alejandro Garnacho has let his family down. He might be immature but he is not young anymore, it's a massive disappointment that he is not performing - he just seems like a Ronaldo fanboy' Ex Manchester United star launches astonishing rant at winger