Buffon signs extension with Juventus

Buffon signs extension with JuventusRome, Jan 24 : Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has signed a contract extension with Juventus till 2015.

The deal was a compromise after Buffon, 34, had sought a 12-month extension whereas the club was after a three-year contract, the Turin club announced Wednesday.

"I would have turned down any offers from other clubs anyway," Buffon said.

"Juventus has become a lifestyle for me. I have a close connection with the fans, which is very important. Now I want to win the trophies that have slipped away from me, starting with the Champions League."

The goalkeeper's agent also confirmed that Buffon had agreed to a salary cut to 1.5 million euros.

Buffon has been with Juventus since 2001, winning five Italian titles, two of which were later revoked.

Buffon won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, making a total of 123 international appearances, the third-highest total behind Fabio Cannavaro and Paolo Maldini.

Juventus currently lead Serie A, and face Celtic in the Champions League Round of 16.(IANS)