Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon says club have a 'responsibility' to win Champions League final
Friday 5 June 2015 21:53, UK
Gianluigi Buffon admits Juventus are underdogs for the Champions League final, but says the players have a "responsibility" to win.
The Italian was speaking at Berlin's Olympiastadion just over 24 hours before they attempt to beat a much-fancied Barcelona side and win the European Cup for the third time in their history.
Buffon was in goal during their last final appearance in 2003 when they were beaten on penalties by AC Milan - and claims a club of Juventus’ stature should at least reach the last four every year.
Live UEFA Champions League Final
"The fact that Juventus have always been represented by great champions and great players over the course of its history and won many trophies makes us aware we are not here by chance," Buffon said.
"History says that Juventus must almost always get to the semi-final of the Champions League.
"We also feel great responsibility. We know if things go well we have done something great and unexpected but on the other hand it’s almost business as usual for Juventus.
"If we win tomorrow, I will be very happy and will hug everyone I see. Then after a month-and-a-half we are back to work again to prepare for the next season.
"This is the right approach. We play for Juventus and represent the best there is for Italian clubs. It would be a great achievement if we win, but it would be in line with our history."
Barcelona are strong favourites to win Saturday’s clash, live on Sky Sports 1, and Buffon accepts their opponents are more likely winners.
However, he insists Massimiliano Allegri’s squad has the talent to match the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.
He added: “I think that it would be fair to say, objectively, Barcelona are the favourite team to win because they have great players with great skills.
“I think it’s only fair to say a team with players such as Messi, Suarez and Neymar and Iniesta in midfield are the definite favourites. Of course they are when they are so lucky to have such players in the squad.
“However, when you meet a team such as Juventus with Tevez, Pogba, Bonucci, Marchisio etc, we have a chance.
“It’s a final and it’s a game where the differences will be reduced. It will be up to all 11 of us to fight and not to be a victim.”
