Fans beg Gianluigi Buffon to retire aged 44 after horror howler for Parma

Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon has been urged to retire by football fans after he made a terrible howler for Parma.

The 44-year-old is yet to hang up his gloves having returned to the club where it all began for him last summer following their relegation from Serie A. But some feel time may be up for Buffon after a tough season for him and his team-mates, which didn't get any better on Monday (April 25) night.

Parma had already conceded inside five minutes of their away match at Perugia when the former Juventus and PSG goalkeeper completely miscued a pass on the edge of his box.

The ball ended up going in the direction of his goal, and not forward like he had intended. Safe to say there was only going to be one winner in the race between him and Marco Olivieri, who is 22 years younger.

Parma did draw one goal back in the second half but it wasn't enough to spare Buffon's blushes. After the clip of his mistake went viral, one fan asked: "When is the right time to retire? Buffon is so damn tired."

"Buffon brotha. You’re already a legend but please retire. Just become a pundit like Marchisio man," pleaded another while one declared: "Buffon should retire to protect his legacy."

Is Buffon the best keeper of his generation? Let us know in the comments section.

"Buffon started his professional career around the same time I started primary school, I think it's time to hang up them boots," joked one social media user.

Others commented: "Hate seeing Buffon like this. At this point just pack it in and retire" and "I feel bad for Buffon, he’s a legend but he has to retire."

But it doesn't look like Buffon has any plans to hang up his gloves. He told Gazetta dello Sport earlier this year: "If Italy don't qualify for the World Cup, I may play the next ones.

"I would not be surprised to be still fit at 48. Michael Jordan didn't rule out playing until 50 and I understand him. At the end of the day, we do the talking on the pitch." However, Parma are now languishing in mid-table in Serie A after three defeats on the bounce.

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