Buffon, Chiellini extend contracts at Juventus

Milan - Juventus veterans Gianluigi Buffon and
Giorgio Chiellini are expected to finish their
careers in Turin after signing contract
extensions on Thursday.
With 14 seasons at Juventus already under his
belt, club captain and goalkeeper Buffon has
extended his contract by two years until 2017,
while central defender Chiellini's new deal will
see him tied to the club until June 2018.
"This is a very special day for the club,"
Juventus president Andrea Agnelli told media.
"Our captain and vice-captain have announced
their contract renewals. The first (Buffon) is in
his 14th season with us and will stay until
2017, and the second (Chiellini) until 2018."
Juventus, who have won 30 Italian league
titles, including the past three, lead Italy's top
flight with a three-point advantage over AS
Roma.
Also read: Keane's Everton claims 'nonsense'
- Martinez
Buffon, a record eight-time winner of Serie A's
goalkeeper of the year award, has won seven
'scudetti' with Juventus as well as the Serie B
title in 2007 after the Bianconeri were stripped
of their titles from 2005 and 2006 and
demoted to the second tier for their role in a
match-fixing affair.
At 36, Buffon hinted he could finish his career
with the club but maintained he still has
plenty to offer.
"As both parties wished to continue, it was the
natural choice to extend my contract for
another two years," said Buffon.
"The fact it could very well be my last contract
was a factor, but I'm not worried about that: I
feel energised. I want to continue performing
at a high level, so that I can be an asset and a
point of reference for the club."
The 30-year-old Chiellini, who has gleaned four
league titles with Juve since arriving in Turin
from Fiorentina a decade ago, said: "I've
become a man at this club and in this city.
Leaving Tuscany and being far away from my
family was traumatic to begin with, but
everyone here made me feel increasingly at
ease.
"It makes me proud to know that, in years to
come, when people talk about Gigi and
Giorgio, they'll think of Juventus."
Agnelli, meanwhile, underlined the club's goal
to rejoin the elite of European football.
"Juventus aim to win every competition, it's in
our DNA. We know we're not the only ones
with this desire, but we're taking important
steps to make the Champions League a
realistic objective," added the club president.
"It's worth bearing in mind that Real Madrid
had been gunning for their tenth title since
2004 and only managed to win it last year.
This shows how tough it is.
"Having said that, I also believe that this team
has the potential to be among Europe's top
eight."