Buffon classy after Ballon d'Or snub
You’d be wrong .
The Juventus shotstopper, who had previously come second to team-mate and captain Fabio Cannavaro in 2006, the year Italy won the World Cup, wasn’t even aware of his non-inclusion, only finding out after receiving what he described as a “deluge” of phonecalls.
“This morning, a day like any other, I checked my phone and was overwhelmed by all the support and solidarity, and not just because I wasn’t included among the 50 or 60 candidates for the Ballon d’Or,” Buffon posted on his Facebook page.
“I wasn’t even aware that a list was being drawn up," the 37-year-old shot stopper said.
"I was taken by surprise when this deluge of people gathered round me!”
The former Parma goalkeeper took his surprising exclusion very well if you consider that relative unknowns like Arsenal’s David Ospina and QPR’s Massimo Luongo made the 59-player shortlist ahead of him.
“I’ve been an incurable optimist for years now, and it’s hard for me to fall prey to resentment, frustration and especially resignation.”
The Italian international then waxed poetic, delving deeper into some of the personal reasons behind his reaction.
“This outpouring of solidarity has truly warmed my heart.
“There are many reasons why I appreciated the support, but of all them I like to think that you like me as an Italian among Italians, as well as an Italian in the world, and that makes me appreciate the beauty of this marvellous adventure we call life!”
Buffon’s message wasn’t devoid of some humour, however.
“In all honesty, I thought I would have at least been considered the fifth-best goalkeeper of last season. It must have gone to my head!"
