World NewsJuve Dismiss Talk of City Bid for Buffon |
Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has laughed off reports of a possible bid for Gianluigi Buffon by Manchester City, calling it "fantasy football".
City's new Abu Dhabi-based backers broke the British transfer record to sign Brazil playmaker Robinho from Real Madrid on Monday and it is likely more big names will follow when the transfer window re-opens in January, with Buffon one of the legion of names linked with the Eastlands club.But Gigli insists no amount of money would prise Buffon away from the Stadio Olimpico.
"It's fantasy football," he told Sky Italia. "This summer there was another case of fantasy football, to be precise the story of David Trezeguet to Barcelona.
"That was fantasy football, and this is the same."
Buffon, who once again proved why he is rated as one of the world's best goalkeepers on Saturday as Italy beat Cyprus in World Cup qualifying, is reportedly a £56million target for City.
But Gigli insisted the 30-year-old remains a key figure at Juve.
He added: "Buffon's price doesn't interest me, what interests me is to have him with us as a man, as a sportsman and as a lynchpin at Juventus.
"And I am happy that he helped Italy beat Cyprus."
Copyright (c) 2008 Press Association
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