Brazil's Jefferson hopes to emulate Juventus goalkeeper Buffon

Jefferson de Oliveira Galvão

Rio de Janeiro, Dec 5 (IANS) Botafogo's goalkeeper Jefferson has said he is unconcerned about losing his place in the national team despite the Brazilian club's relegation to the second division.

Botafogo were last week demoted from the top tier for only the second time in their history, reports Xinhua.

Jefferson will meet with club directors next week to discuss a contract extension. He said he drew inspiration from Italian shot-stopper Gianluigi Buffon as he contemplates lifting Botafogo back into the top-flight. Buffon was part of the Juventus team that was relegated to Italy's Serie B in 2006-07 before being promoted the following year.

"I have always said that I want to end my career at Botafogo and I don't have a problem playing the Serie B," Jefferson said Thursday. "To have my name compared with (Buffon) is the cause of pride. I think there is a lot in common between this situation and his with Juventus. I have never hidden how I feel about the club and my affection for the fans. Everybody knows that I have only ever wanted to stay.”

Jefferson has been capped 13 times by Brazil and has been the team's first choice in goal since the appointment of Dunga as coach in July.

Botafogo will play their last match of the season against Atletico Mineiro in Brasilia Sunday.