Pirlo has same quality as Messi: Buffon

Juventus and Italian goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon, believes that his team mate Andrea Pirlo has the same quality as Barcelona forward Lionel Messi. Although Buffon has praised Messi, he believes Pirlo has similar abilities.

“He’s a once in a generation player. I think it’s unlikely that any human being again will repeat the numbers that Messi is getting,” – Buffon told Sport Mediaset.

“But he is a striker, so numbers are on his side. I think Andrea Pirlo has the same sort of quality. He does not have to envy anyone, but in the world of football, awards go to those who score goals.”

The Juventus captain added that he would play until the age of 37 and last season’s success had given him confidence and has boosted his spirits.

“I’m 34 and I do not feel old but mature,I know where I can go and I think I can play at least three more years at the highest level.”

“2012 was a year full of sporting satisfaction, personal and otherwise,it was a year that I will remember for a long time. We were able to do something memorable thanks to hard work and sweat as well as the good fortune of being led by a great coach.

“No one expected we were able to get to the final, we were not even remotely favorites.”- Buffon told reporters

Juventus are standing top in the league with 44 points from 18 games.