Gianluigi Buffon aiming for 2018 World Cup swansong

Buffon, who turns 38 this week, has represented his country a record 154 times and has made well over 500 appearances for Juventus, for whom he signed in 2001.

The World Cup winner is expected to keep goal at this summer's European Championship but the World Cup in Russia - should Italy qualify - will be his last tournament with the Azzurri.

In quotes carried by Tuttosport, Buffon said: "Am I going to sign a new contract? If we manage to reach the World Cup in 2018 then I'll press on.

"But after that... I'll bring down the shutters."

Buffon, who holds the record for most clean sheets kept in Serie A, remains the most expensive keeper in history as Juve paid Parma 52million euros for his services almost 15 years ago.