Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon wins the 2016 Golden Foot award
Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon is the recipient of this year's prestigious Golden Foot award. The 38-year-old accepted the award in Monaco and admits that the award isn't the only piece of silverware he wants to lift this season.
The Juventus legend was honoured with the award not only for his contributions on the field but his contributions for football off the field as well. Last year's award went to former Barcelona and Inter Milan star Samuel Eto'o whilst the likes of Ryan Giggs, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Francesco Totti have all won it in the past.
But speaking to Italian media house Gazetta Dello Sport, Buffon hoped this wasn't the only piece of silverware he won this year. "I've been nominated before, but maybe now I did that little bit more to deserve winning it," he said.
"Now I'm thinking about winning other awards."
Having been presented the award in Monaco – a location where the Italian has been nominated for awards before – he was thrilled to be the top man this year. "It's a pleasure to be here. I've received some important recognition here in Monaco, like being voted the best player in the UEFA Champions League 13 years ago, and today with this Golden Foot. I'm emotional and happy," he added.
'We will distance ourselves from our rivals this year'
Buffon was also optimistic about the domestic season in Italy this year. Having won the last five Serie A titles in a row, Juventus are looking to extend that run even though they had to part with star talent Paul Pogba. But the club moved quickly to sign Miralem Pjanic, Dani Alves and Gonzalo Higuain to ensure they're able to put up a good fight in the league.
And Buffon is thrilled with the new signings. "I've been impressed by our new signings, who are all great guys," he said.
"(Gonzalo) Higuain was a bit overweight when he got here, but he never raised his voice. He sat on the bench and made himself available immediately. Dani Alves has an incredible aggression in training and (Miralem) Pjanic has adapted to the world of Juve immediately.
"We've got a chance to provide some telling answers and to distance ourselves from our rivals."
Juventus take on Udinese in the Serie A this weekend as they look to pull away from second-placed Napoli who are currently four points behind the Turin club in the Serie A table.
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