Gianluigi Buffon has extended his contract at Parma beyond his 46th birthday — and hinted he might not hang up his gloves even then.

The Italian legend is back at the club where his illustrious 26-year career began and clearly enjoying himself.

LiveScore look at Buffon’s journey so far and his plans for the future in domestic and international football.

Decades at the top

Buffon, 44, is yet to grace the Premier League after spending most of his time in his native Italy, aside from a quick stop in Paris.

The Parma academy graduate began life as a midfielder but moved between the sticks and went on to enjoy six succesful years at the club with the highlight being a UEFA Cup triumph in 1999.

But it was Juventus where Buffon really made his name — winning 10 Serie A titles in two spells with the Italian giants either side of a one-season stint at Paris Saint-Germain.

His return to Juve saw him equal Roberto Mancini and Dejan Stankovic's record of six Coppa Italia triumphs on his 685th and final appearance for the Old Lady in 2021 before reurning to Parma on a one-year deal.

46 and counting

Before signing his contract extension until the end of next season, Buffon revealed that he was using basketball great Michael Jordan as inspiration in his quest of longevity.

He said: "I would not be surprised to be still fit at 48. Michael Jordan didn't rule out playing until 50 and I understand him. 

"At the end of the day, we do the talking on the pitch."

And Buffon is doing just that, becoming the first keeper ever to be credited with 500 clean sheets for club and country, with some 322 of those coming for Juve and 77 for Italy.

World is his oyster

Buffon has 18 months remaining on his current contract at Parma and has started 22 league games this season for the mid-table Serie B outfit.

The 176-cap Italy international has not ruled out pulling on his country's famous jersey again despite not being involved since 2018.

Ahead of this month's World Cup play-offs, he said: "If Italy don't qualify for the World Cup, I may play the next one.

"I've always used the World Cup as an excuse for those who were wondering why I was continuing."

Buffon is often cited as one of the best players never to win the Champions League after finishing runner-up three times, it is unlikely he will lead Parma to the promised land but you cannot rule anything out with one of the game's all-time greats.

First up is a clash with Monza tomorrow night, what the future holds is anybody's guess.