Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon has confirmed he is available for selection in the Azzurri’s upcoming friendly clashes against Argentina and England.
The Juventus goalkeeper’s international future had been in doubt after he experienced the anguish of missing out on the World Cup last year.
Buffon had cut a disconsolate figure following play-off defeat against Sweden, and was widely believed to be considering retirement from the Azzurri.
But speaking on Monday, he insisted that he was ready to come back in a double-header of friendlies to be played in March.
“I feel a sense of responsibility at this time of transition for our national team,” he said to Italia 1.
“There will be two important friendly matches. I thought about going on holiday with my family, but if the national team needs me I have to answer that I am ready and I can not desert.
“I am doing this for loyalty and responsibility, without thinking about what will be my future. The players who have experience at the moment could be useful against Argentina and England.”