Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon reveals Man Utd, Arsenal and Man City tried to sign him

By Rory O'Callaghan

Image: Gianluigi Buffon claims Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City all tried to sign him

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has revealed three Premier League clubs attempted to sign him earlier in his career.

The Italian, who joined Juventus for £23.3m from Parma in 2001, says Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City all tried to convince him to move to England.

Buffon has been rewarded with numerous domestic titles at Juventus, including eight Serie A triumphs, and will claim his first Champions League winners' medal if Massimiliano Allegri's side beat Real Madrid in Saturday's final.

It could, however, have been all very different for the 39-year-old if he had agreed to come to England earlier in his career.

The Lions on Sky Sports

The British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand starts on June 3, exclusively on Sky Sports

"From what I know, there have been three serious times when English clubs made an approach for me," Buffon said.

Advertisement

"Two of them were when I was a young player at Parma, and I know Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger asked about me - and then, when Manchester City was taken over, I know they approached Juventus."

Former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson wanted Buffon to replace Peter Schmeichel at Old Trafford, while Arsene Wenger had lined up the Italian as David Seaman's long-term replacement at the Gunners.

Also See:

Image: Juventus face Real Madrid in the Champions League final in Cardiff on Saturday

While he admits the Premier League is still an attractive prospect, Buffon insists he doesn't regret his decision to remain in Italy.

"There are many reasons why none of the deals happened," he added. "Even though the Premier League is a special league, I have always wanted to stay loyal to Juventus.

"I have always been very successful here. I would not have changed anything."

Outbrain