5 players who could be playing their final major tournament at Euro 2016
The countdown to UEFA Euro 2016 has already begun as only four days are left before the 15th edition of the UEFA European Championship gets underway in France. Every major tournament marks the beginning and end of careers and over the years the Euros has seen the careers of many footballers begin, blossom and end.
Euro 2016 will definitely be a tightly contested competition but on the same time there are a couple of footballers who might have their last outing at a major tournament. Here are five such players who might play their final major tournament at Euro 2016.
#1 Gianluigi Buffon – Italy
The 38-year-old custodian has established himself as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all-time. He is currently Italy’s all-time leader in appearances and perhaps the best goalkeeper to have ever played for the Azzurri. He played a pivotal role in Italy’s victorious 2006 FIFA World Cup campaign where he conceded only two goals: an own goal and a penalty kick. He was subsequently awarded the Yashin award as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
Buffon has been in good form for both Juventus and Italy in recent times and his form will be crucial for Italy as they have been handed a difficult group consisting of Belgium, Sweden and Republic of Ireland. This could also be the last tournament for Buffon as being 38, he is already at the twilight of his career and would also like to prolong his club career with Juventus. However, given his current form, you never know.