Gianluigi Buffon: Italy goalkeeper set to retire after 2018 World Cup

Veteran Italy and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has said he intends to retire after the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.

Buffon, who turns 38 on Thursday, helped Italy win the 2006 World Cup and has collected six Serie A titles with the Italian champions.

He told reporters at an awards ceremony in Milan: "If I can push myself up to the 2018 World Cup then I'll go on.

"After that I'll close the door and stop playing football," he added.

Buffon, who has played a record 154 times for Italy, is expected to be first choice at this summer's European Championships in France. Italy are in Group E with the Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Sweden.

He remains the world's most expensive goalkeeper after his £32.5m move from Parma to Juventus in 2001.