I could never desert a possible call – Buffon open to Italy return

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If Italy come calling again then Gianluigi Buffon will be waiting to answer, despite having previously retired from international football.

Gianluigi Buffon hinted that he would remain available to play for Italy, stating he could never reject a call from his country.

The veteran Juventus goalkeeper said after Italy's World Cup play-off final defeat to Sweden that his time with the international team was over after a 175-cap career.

However, the 39-year-old says he will always be available to answer his country's call should it come.

"I took a break from the national team, but I could never desert a possible call in the future if needed," he told reporters at the Gran Gala del Calcio.

"I'm of a certain age, so it's right for me to take a pause.

"With the way I am though, if there were a total absence of goalkeepers and they asked me to come back, I'd be there even at 60."