Massimiliano Allegri salutes Gianluigi Buffon as goalkeeping great ends Juventus career

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri paid tribute to departing goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon following the 40-year-old's emotional final game of the club.

Buffon received a guard of honour as he left the pitch after being substituted in the 63rd minute of Saturday's 2-1 win over Hellas Verona.

There were tears among the fans who gave Buffon a standing ovation following his 17 years with the Serie A champions.

"Today it was right that Gigi Buffon was honoured for all he did, there was no better way to finish this year," Allegri said in quotes reported on www.gazzetta.it.

Buffon's defining moments

As Gianluigi Buffon announces he is leaving Juventus, we pick out the defining moments of his glittering career.

"I was moved by him - in these four years [that Allegri has been Juve boss] I saw him doing impressive things and he deserved a goodbye like that.

"There was a wonderful atmosphere."

While Buffon has confirmed his exit, Allegri's future has been the subject of great speculation, as he has been linked with the Arsenal manager's job in the wake of Arsene Wenger's departure.

However, he has repeatedly emphasised his desire to remain in Turin.

"We will meet next week to plan the future, to understand where we have to improve, there are no problems," he said.

Fantasy Head to Head

Challenge a mate in our brand new Fantasy Football head-to-head mode. Play for free!