Buffon cried when announcing his retirement from the Italian national team

The 39-year-old goalkeeper announced his retirement from international football, right after the draw with Sweden caused Italy to miss out on a ticket to the 2018 World Cup.

Before the play-off match with Sweden, Gianluigi Buffon planned to leave the Italian national team after the 2018 World Cup. However, the veteran goalkeeper also hinted that if he failed to overcome the Northern European representative, he would give way to young teammates like Gianluigi Donnarumma or Matteo Perin.

Italy drew 0-0 in the second leg of the play-off at home at San Siro, and lost 0-1 on aggregate to Sweden. For the first time in 60 years, the team in blue did not qualify for the World Cup finals.

"I'm not sad for myself, but for the fans of my country," Buffon said to the camera, crying as he announced his retirement from the national team. "We have failed not only on a sporting level, but also on a social level."

Buffon kept his promise and left the Italian national team after losing to Sweden.

Italy is suffering from a talent drought. Serie A is in decline in quality, and bright stars like Lorenzo Insigne, Ciro Immobile, Stephan El Shaarawy cannot play abroad. Top name Marco Verratti is suspended for the return leg.

"Italian football still has a future. After falling, we always stand up strongly. I will give way to the younger ones, and want to give hugs to Chiellini, Barzagli, Bonucci and De Rossi. They are examples that every player can follow," Buffon confided.

"In football, we win or lose as a team. I don't think the coach has to take all the responsibility. The players have the same responsibility as the coach."

Besides Buffon, other Italian pillars such as Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli, and Daniele De Rossi also announced their retirement from international football.

According to VNE