Pirlo evaluating his future at Juventus: Buffon

Buffon feels that Pirlo will make a decision that is best for him

Turin (Italy), June 12 (IANS) Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says he does not know if Juventus teammate Andrea Pirlo will stay at the club, stating the latter could be considering a move soon.

The 36-year-old Pirlo still has a year to run on his deal with the Italian football giants, but recently there have been rumours linking the midfield maestro to a move to the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States.

"I think Andrea will want to evaluate everything calmly to prepare his future in the best way. He wants to know if he can still ride the wave," Buffon was quoted as saying by goal.com.

"I speak to Pirlo daily and didn't get any hints about his future. It's a decision that needs a few days of meditation," the 37-year-old said. The duo will clash against Ivan Rakitic again, the Barcelona midfielder who scored past Buffon in the Champions League final last week, when Italy take on Croatia this Friday.

Though Buffon said losing 1-3 in Berlin still hurts, he has no grudges against Rakitic. "I will compliment him for being a great player, for his career path and the latest success," the Juventus and Italy captain said.

"I am proud of the final and my silver medal. Looking at it will help me be even more fired up in future if I play in a game of that level again, either with Juventus or Italy," Buffon, who was an integral member of the Italian team that won the FIFA 2006 World cup, added.

"There was some bitterness at the result, but you leave these things behind, especially when there's another important game to play soon after."

Both Italy and Croatia will be fighting for leadership of Group H in the Euro 2016 qualifiers on Friday.