Gianluigi Buffon to retire after 2018 World Cup

Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has revealed that he will close the door on his professional career following the completion of the 2018 World Cup.

The 37-year-old is fast closing on 800 appearances in the sport – 562 of which have come for Juve, whom he joined from Parma in 2001.

The Italian has won six Serie A titles with the Old Lady and is considered to be one of the best goalkeepers in history.

Buffon has revealed that he will do his best to continue playing until 2018, but will hang up his gloves after the World Cup in Russia.

"If I can push myself up to 2018, I will. After that, I'll close the door and stop playing," Buffon told reporters.

Buffon is still the most expensive goalkeeper of all time, with Juve paying Parma £33m for his services in 2001.