Buffon: Crying makes me 'feel human'

The sight of Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon tearing up after a particularly significant result isn't rare. Whether it was winning the 2006 FIFA World Cup or crashing out in 2018 World Cup qualifying, Buffon has felt all the highs and lows football can offer during his 26-year playing career.

Emotions will run high at Juventus as the 40-year-old veteran approaches his post-playing days, but Buffon has no problem expressing those feelings in an outward fashion, as he admitted in a Netflix documentary entitled "First Team: Juventus".

"I cry often and I cry alone," Buffon said, as quoted by ESPN FC. "Crying helps - it frees you and makes you feel human.

"I never cry for football. I can be touched but it's not about the defeat itself. It's something more complex and romantic."

Buffon was visibly tearful following Italy's elimination to Sweden in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers last November, a heartbreaking loss made doubly painful as it marked the iconic shot-stopper's final appearance for the Azzurri.

While Buffon has stated the 2017-18 season will also be his last with Juve, he has not yet announced concrete plans for retirement, hinting only that he may stay on if the club wins the Champions League this season.