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Austria star Marko Arnautovic has denied being a racist while apologising for making an offensive slur in his side's win over North Macedonia.

Arnautovic scored in Austria's 3-1 victory on Sunday and was seen gesturing in the direction of North Macedonia's Ezgjan Alioski, allegedly saying: "I'm f***ing your Albanian mother".

The striker has been accused of using a racially-charged word during his confrontation with Alioski, but Arnautovic has denied it while also apologising for the "heated" incident.

What did Arnautovic have to say?

"There were some heated words yesterday in the emotions of the game for which I would like to APOLOGIZE - especially to my friends from North Macedonia and Albania," he wrote on Instagram.

"I would like to say one thing very clearly: I AM NOT A RACIST! I have friends in almost every country and I stand for diversity. Everyone who knows me is aware of that."

The meaning behind the words

The use of language reportedly dates back to the Kosovo War, with Arnautovic, whose father is Serbian, targeting Alioski, who is of Albanian origins.

Arnautovic allegedly used an anti-Albanian slur towards Egzon Bejtulai before then celebrating his goal by yelling towards Alioski, only stopping after being restrained by team-mate David Alaba.

There is historic tension between Serbia and Albania, while Serbia and North Macedonia have long had a tense relationship.

The politics surrounding these countries were also a major talking point at the 2018 World Cup, when Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri were fined £7,600 each after the two Swiss stars, who have Albanian links, celebrated by putting their hands together to form a double-headed eagle representing the Albanian flag during a game against Serbia.

Further reading

Wojciech Szczesny made some unfortunate history on Monday as he became the first goalkeeper to ever be responsible for an own goal at the Euros.

Szczesny and Poland went behind in the first half of Monday's meeting with Slovakia, their first match of the competition.

It took just 18 minutes for them to concede, with Szczesny becoming the first goalkeeper to be charged with an own goal in the competition's history.

What happened?

The goal was created by Slovakia's Robert Mak, who drove down the left-hand side of the field while beating two Polish defenders in the process.

As he broke in on goal, Mak fired a shot, only to see if smash off the near post.

Fortunately for him, it bounced back off Szczesny and in, with Mak's efforts being rewarded even if he wouldn't be credited with the goal.

That unfortunate honour instead went to Szczesny, who was credited with the second own goal of the Euros so far.

Coincidentally, both have been scored by Juventus players, with Merih Demiral responsible for the opening goal of the tournament in Italy's win over Turkey.

Further reading

Gary Lineker thinks that Kylian Mbappe can reach the same levels as Cristiano Ronaldo but believes that Lionel Messi's talents put him on a different level to what anyone else in the game can hope to achieve.

Having won the golden boot for the third time in a row in Ligue 1 and enjoyed another stellar season, the 22-year-old heads into the European Championship as one of the game's top forward players.

And Lineker feels that Mbappe, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid in the summer, is already a global phenomenon and may need to move to the Liga giants to further his career.

What's been said?

"Mbappe is already a global superstar who is most likely to jump in the shoes of Ronaldo, but not Messi - he can do things that others simply can't," Lineker told Goal.

"Talent-wise, there's no question. It's more about whether he has the same drive to sustain his career over 17, 19 years like the two of them (Ronaldo and Messi). It's quite remarkable and it takes something special to do that.

"Ability-wise, he could go on to do those things with big rumours about Real Madrid. Does he need to move on from PSG to realise his ambitions of greatness? Maybe, I don't know, but I don't think it will distract him from the tournament itself.

"It always is about the next generation. We saw it in the Champions League but I think it was more that Barcelona and Juventus have weak teams in transition at the moment.

"Messi, this calendar year, has scored more and got more assists than anyone else. Ronaldo is still banging in loads of goals. They are phenomenal.

"We saw Erling Haaland and Mbappe coming through in the Champions League and we will see it again at the Euros, with Mbappe. Hopefully, with one or two England lads like Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Jadon Sancho [also doing well].

"I love Sancho and I think people will be surprised how good he is without watching as much foreign football. I am excited about Jude Bellingham, Nicolo Barella as well. There's also a lot of quality within the France team."

Who is in the France squad & who do they play at the Euros?

France, who are being widely tipped to go far in the tournament, get their Euro 2020 campaign underway with a tough test against Germany on June 15.

Didier Deschamps' side then take on Hungary in their second fixture of Group F, before finishing the group phase against Portugal on June 23.

Gary Lineker is part of the BBC football team. Follow Euro 2020 on the BBC across TV, radio and online this summer.

Further reading

Nigeria square up against the United States of America in their last outing of the America Summer Series.

After a stuttering start – where they bowed 1-0 to Jamaica in Texas – the Super Falcons played a 3-3 draw with Portugal on Monday morning.

Despite a two-goal deficit, the reigning African women’s champions clawed their way back to ensure that the game ended on a no winner, no vanquished note.

For Randy Waldrum's team, they would be hoping to pick up their first victory against the four-time Women’s World Cup winners.

Regardless of the result, the essence of the outing is to keep the West African side in fine shape ahead of October’s Africa Women Cup of Nations qualifier against eternal rivals, Ghana.

WHEN IS THE GAME?

The international friendly has been scheduled for 02:00 (West African Time) on Thursday, June 17.

WHAT CHANNELS CAN I WATCH THE GAME ON TV?

WHERE IS THE CLASH?

Q2 Stadium, Austin, Texas

HOW CAN FANS GET INVOLVED?

Goal will be providing coverage with news and interviews of the showdown.

Hunt saw his three-year deal terminated before the 2020/21 season ended and Setlhodi has alleged that the coach did not get on well with players and that is why the Soweto club struggled.

"In football, in order to get the results and to win trophies, you first have to win the players," the Chiefs legend told Soccer Laduma. 

"Put the players into your pocket and zip the pocket so that you know that you are safe. But if you go alone and talk bad about the players, they will destroy you. I’m talking from experience, and I know exactly what I am talking about. 

"Look at what happened at Chiefs [under Hunt], it is not because those players are not good that they have been performing badly like they have been doing, but it was because of the attitude of the coach. As a coach, you don’t have to listen to the players too often, but they have a right to talk to you and raise their issues. 
 
"You don’t have to overlook them, and you have to make them feel that they are part of you."

In explaining why Chiefs struggled, Setlhodi gave an example of goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and Lebogang Manyama who were not in their usual top form. 

"The way I see it, there were very few players who wanted to play for Hunt. Look, when you watched [Lebogang] Manyama playing, you could sense that he was not himself," he added.

"If you looked at [Itumeleng] Khune between the sticks, he was not himself, because already he knew that next season he wouldn’t be in the menu of Gavin Hunt. I’m talking about the senior players that can change things and win the game for you. I will tell you an example about myself when I took over at Kaizer Chiefs as a coach in 1981. 
 
"I was a player and playing with the very same players that I coached. At that time, I was a reserve goalkeeper to Peta Bala'c. Whatever I did, I did it with the players. I was not alone in making things."

Hunt was appointed Amakhosi head coach in September 2020 and, despite the PSL struggles, he managed to help them qualify for the Caf Champions League semi-finals.

It may only be day four of the European Championship, but goal of the tournament may have already been sewn up by Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick.

The Bayer Leverkusen forward scored from practically on the halfway line in the Czechs' opening game of Group D against Scotland, lobbing goalkeeper David Marshall from approximately 50 yards.

It was Schick's second goal of the game, and stunned the crowd at Hampden Park who had hoped to see Scotland get a good result in their first major tournament match for 23 years.

What happened?

Schick had already got on the scoresheet just before half-time with a well-placed header putting Czech Republic in front - but that was nothing compared to his second, scored on 52 minutes.

After a hopeful long-range effort from Scotland's Jack Hendry was blocked, the ball was played out to Schick who instinctively took a shot just as the ball crossed the halfway line.

The effort had the perfect placement and power, curling from outside David Marshall's right-hand post as the Scotland goalkeeper backpeddled from his position well off his goal line.

The shot went flying over the Derby keeper's head and into the back of the net without bouncing, leaving the veteran number one helpless and tangled in the back of his own net amid his desperate attempts to stop the shot.

At 49.7 yards, Schick's second goal was the furthest distance from which a strike has been scored on record at the European Championship since 1980.

'What a Schickener'

The extraordinary goal prompted a huge online response.

Further Reading

India take on Afghanistan in the final Group E game in the second round 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup joint qualifiers at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday.

The Blue Tigers' 2-0 win over Bangladesh on June 7 means that a draw against Afghanistan will be enough for India to progress to the third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers. However, head coach Igor Stimac has shrugged off suggestions that his men will play for a point.

What Igor Stimac said?

"I need to say that I don't know any coach or any team who would come out playing for a draw. Even that might seem to be a situation when you are facing much better sides. Then, you need to drop and defend for your life and wait for one, two or three chances to counter-attack like against Qatar. But, we are not going out to play for a draw. Rather, we will go out to win it," he said.

"As a coach, I have tried to prepare our team in the best possible way - to keep them motivated. Wearing the national team jersey is the biggest motivation for any player, and it comes with a huge responsibility. You know how big a population is backing us, and whoever is wearing the Indian shirt has that unique chance to make the 1.4 billion people proud."

'We cannot take Afghanistan lightly'

India are currently placed third in the group with six points from seven matches. If the Blue Tigers lose to Afghanistan they will be relegated to the fourth position. The return leg meeting had ended in a 1-1 draw.

"Afghanistan are full of players with international experience, and most of the players are playing in foreign leagues. You can recognise it when you gauge their confidence on the ball. But at the same time, we see our chance and need to go out on the pitch and play good football and to make sure we finish this tournament on a winning note," the Croatian expressed.
 

Cristiano Ronaldo has said whatever happens this summer will be "for the best" amid reports linking him with a move away from Juventus. 

After a difficult season with the Serie A side the Portugal international has been linked with a transfer, with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United both touted as potential destinations. 

The 36-year-old refused to commit his future to the Italian side as he prepares to face Hungary in Portugal’s opening game at Euro 2020. 

What was said?

Ronaldo was asked if the speculation linking him with moves to Man Utd and PSG would affect him at the tournament. 

He replied: “I have been playing at the highest level for many years this doesn’t faze me, maybe if I was 18 or 19 I might have had some sleepless nights, but I'm 36. Whatever comes will be for the best, regardless of staying at Juve or being transferred.

“The crucial thing now is the Euros, it is my fifth Euros, but for me it’s like my first Euros. We want to play a good match with good thoughts from the first to the last match.”

Why are there reports he could leave? 

Ronaldo has been heavily linked with a move away from Turin in recent months, with it suggested that the Bianconeri are ready to cash in on a prized asset before he becomes a free agent in 2022.

Goal undertstands that Juve officials are convinced that the Portuguese is exploring his options ahead of the summer transfer window.

What else was said? 

During the press conference held in Budapest ahead of their opening Group F game Ronaldo was asked about how his form compares to when he was younger.

He replied: “On a personal level I’m not the same player I was 18 or 10 years ago, or even five years ago - we keep adjusting. 

“The most intelligent thing about a football player is the ability to adjust. I’m more mature and if a player wants to play for many, many years then they have to be able to adjust.

"The numbers speak for themselves, from 18 to 36 I’ve learnt to adjust and adapt and I‘ve always been able to win and on an individual and collective level with the teams I have played for. I have adjusted all along in my career.”

Further reading

Kasper Schmeichel has offered an encouraging update on Christian Eriksen while criticising UEFA's decision to restart Denmark's clash with Finland.

Eriksen received emergency on-field treatment from Denmark's medical team after suffering cardiac arrest 41 minutes into the Euro 2020 fixture in Copenhagen on Saturday afternoon.

The Inter midfielder stopped breathing and had to be resuscitated before leaving Parken Stadium on a stretcher, and was subsequently declared to be in a stable condition at a local hospital.

What's been said?

Schmeichel has since been to visit Eriksen and says it gave him great relief to see his team-mate in high spirits after an anxious wait for news on his wellbeing.

“It was damn nice to see him smile and laugh and be himself and just feel that he is there," the Denmark goalkeeper told broadcaster DR. "It was a great experience and something that has helped me a lot.”

Schmeichel calls out UEFA 

Denmark were given the choice to resume their game against Finland at 19:30 or at 12:00 on Sunday after witnessing Eriksen's cardiac arrest.

UEFA announced that the game would recommence on Saturday evening after consulting with both sets of players, but Schmeichel felt that they were rushed into making a decision. 

Denmark ended up losing the game 1-0, with the Leicester City star saying: “We were put in a position I don’t think we should have been put in. It probably required that someone above us had said that it was not the time to make a decision and maybe should wait for the next day."

What next for Denmark?

Denmark must now try to pick themselves up ahead of a crucial meeting with Belgium on Thursday.

Kasper Hjulmand's side will need to pull off an upset in order to stay in the hunt for a place in the round of 16, with a final group stage outing against Russia set to follow on June 21.

“We’re still in the tournament. Now, we have to try to see if we can win this and do it for Christian and do it for all the fans who sat with us and were just as powerless in the situation as we were,” Schmeichel said. “I have no doubt that this team has the unity, the strength to be able to come together and go out and do something special.”

Further reading

Steve Clarke is hopeful Kieran Tierney will be fit for Scotland's clash with England after missing their Euro 2020 opener through injury.

Tierney was expected to be one of Scotland's key players at the European Championships, having firmly established himself as one of the top full-backs in the Premier League at Arsenal.

However the 24-year-old was a surprise omission from Clarke's squad to face the Czech Republic in their first Group D fixture on Monday, and the head coach has now offered an explanation for his absence.

What's been said?

Clarke says Tierney is recovering from a knock that he picked up in training last week, but is optimistic that he can return in time for Scotland's crunch encounter against England on Friday.

"He's had a niggle during the week," the 57-year-old manager told BBC Sport. "He's not ready for this one, but hopefully the next one."

Tierney's record for Scotland

Tierney will be a big miss for Scotland after featuring in both of their warm-up games against the Netherlands and Luxembourg earlier this month.

Those two outings saw the Gunners star increase his haul of caps to 21, having initially made his international debut as a teenager in 2016.

Who else has missed out?

The other most notable absentee from Clarke's starting XI was Southampton frontman Che Adams, who has had to make do with a place on the bench with Queens Park Rangers striker Lyndon Dykes and Celtic's Ryan Christie leading the line.

The Scotland boss says his decision was based on the fact Dykes performed well against the Czech Republic in their UEFA Nations League win last year before linking up to great effect with Christie against Serbia in the European Championship playoffs.

"Lyndon was a very, very influential player against the Czech Republic in September, him and Ryan were excellent against Serbia and deserve the chance to play here again," said Clarke.

Further reading

Ex-Ghana youth star Baba Sule, who formerly worked as the chauffeur to Spain goalkeeper David De Gea, believes the Manchester United keeper doesn’t need to move to prove he’s at the top of his game.

Following a difficult season at Old Trafford in which he lost his undisputed starting berth to Dean Henderson, De Gea has been linked with a potential United exit this summer.

There have been rumours in the British press that he may be offered to Atletico Madrid in a part-swap deal for Jan Oblak, but De Gea’s former driver doesn’t believe it’s the right time for him to return to Spain.

“He’s still one of the best players,” Baba Sule told Goal. “Footballers [have] bad patches, where you can have a very good year then the next year you cannot progress or continue the good year you had.

“I don’t think it’s necessary for him to come back to Spain now,” he added. “I don’t think so.

“I hope he will come back and be the best goalkeeper – as he is – but I don’t think it’s necessary to him to come to Spain at this time. He still has a contract with Manchester [United].”

De Gea, who was previously part of Atletico Madrid’s youth academy before making his maiden steps in the professional game with the Rojiblancos, has been with the Red Devils since 2011.

He missed the decisive penalty in their Europa League final shootout defeat by Villarreal last month, having previously won the tournament with Atleti in 2010 and United in 2017.

The stopper, who could reach a half-century of Spain caps at the European Championships, may have to wait to add to his international appearances after being unseated by Unai Simon as the country’s No. 1 stopper.

Spain begin their Euro 2020 campaign against Sweden in Sevilla on Monday evening.

Baba Sule, who worked as a chauffeur for De Gea during his time with Atletico’s academy, after his own playing career ended, was a U-17 World Cup champion with Ghana in 1995.

He subsequently moved to Spanish football with Mallorca in 1996, but a combination of injuries and illness problems stymied his progress.

He retired in 2011 after returning to African football with Nigerian clubs Kwara United and Niger Tornadoes.

Harry Kane hailed England's major tournament debutants after their opening Euro 2020 game against Croatia on Sunday, insisting "they did their country proud".

England gained revenge over the nation that dumped them out of the 2018 World Cup at the semi-final stage thanks to Raheem Sterling's neat finish in the 57th minute at Wembley.

Kalvin Phillips set up the goal to cap a superb all-round display, while Phil Foden, Mason Mount, Declan Rice and Tyrone Mings also shone after being trusted to represent the Three Lions in the European Championship for the first time.

What's been said?

Kane paid tribute to all five men when asked to assess Phillips' all-action display by beIN Sports , as he stated: "He has been brilliant. He has just come off the back of a shoulder injury as well, he has been good in training and working hard to be fit for the first game.

“Obviously he was selected and did a fantastic job and there were a few guys out there playing their first game for England in a major tournament and they did their country proud.”

Kane addresses his role in Croatia win

Kane started through the middle for England against Croatia with Foden and Sterling alongside him as a part of a front three, but he was often seen dropping deeper to get involved in the build-up play instead of making runs in behind.

The forward says his aim was to free up space for the Three Lions' other attacking players to run beyond the opposition defence - a role he has gotten used to at club level with Tottenham.

“It has always been a part of my game,” he added. "Sometimes when I drop deep it allows space for the wingers or the midfielders to run in behind so it is always about doing my bit for the team, if it means dropping deep, I will drop deep. If it means staying high, I will stay high.

“We have got fantastic players on the ball and fantastic players in behind, you saw that with Raheem’s goal. We had a couple of runners and he got in and finished nicely.

“(It is) a great start, we know we have got a long way to go still but you always want to start with a win. It is a great building block for the rest of the tournament.”

Kane on Southgate's selection

All the pre-match discussion was dominated by Southgate's decision to start Sterling and Kieran Trippier in winger and full-back roles on the left-hand side of the pitch, with Jadon Sancho and Ben Chilwell ultimately missing out on a place in the squad.

Jack Grealish was also omitted from the first XI despite his impressive displays in England's warm-up games, but Kane says the final result justified Southgate's preferred set-up.

“That is why he is doing his job and the fans are debating – that is part of football,” said the Three Lions captain.

“We have got a great squad and you can understand everyone has got their own opinions on who should play but we had a great team performance and it is important we use the whole squad throughout the tournament, it isn’t going to be the same XI every week.”

Further reading

Harambee Stars and St George SC goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has reached out to members of the public to help him settle his hospital bill.
 
Matasi - together with his wife and son - were involved in a road accident at Lessos on the Kapsabet-Nakuru Highway a few weeks ago while travelling back to Nairobi.

The former Posta Rangers goalkeeper was treated in Lessos before being transferred to Kakamega, where he and his family are recovering.
 
The goalkeeper was released a day after the accident, but his wife and son required additional medical attention, and it is because of their mounting bills that he has come forward to seek financial assistance.
 
"Hello friends, as I had already shared with you, my wife and son were scheduled for surgery, which they did. My wife was operated on on 7th June while my son underwent his surgery today," a statement on Matasi's Facebook page read.

"As you all know, in these types of situations, bills spiral and sometimes become overwhelming, especially in this case where it's three people that require medical attention.

"This is why I am requesting for you to support me as I run up and down to ensure all of us are finally healed and get back to our normal lives.

"I understand that times are hard, but whatever amount will be appreciated. Thank you and may God bless you."

Matasi was travelling to the city in order to catch a flight to Adis Ababa and link up with his club teammates before the accident.

He is one of Kenya's most established goalkeepers, although he has not been called up in recent times for national assignments.

Since Sebastien Migne left in 2019, he has not been summoned, with Ian Otieno of Zesco United, Brian Bwire from Kariobangi Sharks, Arnold Origi and Ulizi Stars' Jacktone Odhiambo and James Saruni being the goalkeepers who have enjoyed Harambee Stars call-ups.

The 33-year-old has played for AFC Leopards, Posta Rangers, and Tusker in the Kenyan Premier League before he was signed by the Ethiopian side in 2018.

He was the number one goalkeeper when Kenya fought for a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations slot and was used prominently during the finals in Egypt.

Matasi made his debut for the national team in 2017 and has so far featured in 27 games for Harambee Stars, including the Cecafa finals when Kenya lifted the trophy under Paul Put.

Yanga SC have reportedly completed the signing of Kaizer Chiefs forward Lazarous Kambole on a one-year loan deal.

The Zambia forward has struggled to cement his place at Amakhosi and with new signings expected, his playing time will be further limited.

It is for this reason the PSL heavyweights have accepted to let the forward leave, albeit on loan.

"Everything between the player and the club has been agreed and it is a matter of time before it is made official," a close source from Yanga SC told Goal on Monday.

"Kambole is a good striker who we believe will thrive in the team and will help in finishing the numerous chances created. There is an option to buy him after the completion of the loan deal.

"The most important thing is having him in the team, as we work on having a more competitive Yanga for next season in all the competitions we will be taking part in."

Recently, the investment director of GSM - Yanga's partners - Hersi Said, had plans of completing the talks with Chiefs over Kambole's transfer.

A few days ago, Said was in DR Congo where he negotiated Djuma Shabani's transfer from AS Vita to Yanga and was set to travel south to meet Amakhosi officials for talks over the Zambian star.

The Zambian has failed to settle at Naturena and has scored just a single goal in 39 appearances for Chiefs, and this season he hasn’t scored in 22 appearances.

Apart from Kambole and Shabani, Goal understands AS Vita's Jean-Marc Makusu Mundele is also a primary transfer target for the record Tanzanian champions.

Timu ya Wananchi are expected to prioritise the signing of strikers after Fiston Abdul Razak and Michael Sarpong failed to live up to expectations.

Sarpong was signed before the season began and so far does not feature among the top five best scorers. Abdoulrazak came during the mid-season transfer window but has been unable to challenge Saidi Ntibazonkiza and Yacouba Sogne for a starting berth.

Makusu is expected to return to AS Vita after he failed to replicate his previous goalscoring form while at Premier Soccer League side Orlando Pirates on loan.

Akwa United coach Kennedy Boboye has explained the situation that led to the abandonment of their Nigeria Professional Football League encounter against Kano Pillars on Sunday evening.

The former Super Eagles assistant coach disclosed that fans invaded the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in an attempt to beat the referee and his assistant after they ruled out a goal scored by Nwagua Nyiwa for Sai Masu Gida in the closing stages of the match. 

The pitch invasion forced both teams to walk off the pitch as they sought safety in the dressing room.

However, the game was concluded on Monday morning and it ended in a goalless draw with just a point separating the two teams at the top of the league table. 

Boboye, in a chat with Goal, gave his account of the incident which he said will lead to a "bad reputation" for the NPFL.

"Around the 87th minute, their player was offside and they scored an offside goal," Boboye told Goal. 

"The assistant referee flagged it and the referee blew his whistle. Before we know, the crowd invaded the pitch and started chasing the referee and his assistant to beat them up so that was why we stopped the game and walked off.

"We finished the game this morning and it was 0-0. Such behaviours should be condemned and we are yet to hear anything from the LMC. Crowd invasion brings bad reputation for the league."

Kano Pillars resorted to social media to narrate their side of the story and they claimed they were denied two clear penalties in the match and they maintained their late goal was not offside.

Meanwhile, the League Management Company are yet to comment on the situation, or clarify whether either of the teams will be charged for the misconduct. 

Akwa United remain at the summit of the Nigeria top-flight table with 50 points after 27 matches and Kano Pillars follow in the second spot with 49 points. 

The Promise Keepers will aim to boost their push when they host Adamawa United on Saturday while Pillars travel for a date with Jigawa Golden Stars on Sunday.

Gianluigi Buffon is set to re-join Parma on a two-year deal after leaving Juventus, Goal can confirm.

Buffon announced that he would be departing Juve for a second time in May, having returned to the club in 2019 following a one-season stint at Paris Saint-Germain.

The 43-year-old goalkeeper also said that he was considering retirement, but has now shelved those plans to seal a return to Parma, the club where he began his career back in 1995.

What's been said?

Goal has learned that Buffon will be officially unveiled at Stadio Ennio Tardini this week on a deal set to run until the end of the 2022-23 season.

The Italian was quizzed by reporters on the move while kicking off the ‘Buffon Summer Camp’ at his goalkeeping academy in Marina di Pietrasanta, and said: "I decided to continue playing because I still feel good."

Buffon's record for Juve in 2020-21 & legacy in Turin

Buffon played in just 14 matches across all competitions for Juve in 2020-21 as he had to make do with a back-up role behind Poland international Wojciech Szczesny once again.

The World Cup winner conceded nine goals while keeping six clean sheets, and also picked up Coppa Italia and Supercoppa winners' medals to add to his illustrious CV.

Buffon's legendary status in Turin had been secured during his first spell at the club between 2001 and 2018, which saw him make 656 appearances and pick up nine Serie A titles.

Only Alessandro Del Piero has featured in more games for Juve than Buffon, who won a total of 22 trophies while on their books and also appeared in three Champions League finals.

Buffon's first stint at Parma 

Buffon made his senior debut for Parma at the age of 17 in November 1995 and went on to feature in 220 games for the club before being snapped up by Juve for a then-record fee of €52 million (£45m/$63m) in 2001.

The ex-Italy international helped Parma win the Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana and UEFA Cup, recording 85 clean sheets along the way, and will now be tasked with helping them try to win promotion back to Serie A following their relegation last term.

Further reading

Baroka FC coach Matsimela Thoka believes the club is reaping big for their trust in youngsters.

Goodman Mosele and Evidence Makgopa, who are 20 and 21 years old, have been voted the PSL's young players for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons, respectively. The latter played 28 matches for Bakgaga and scored seven goals in the process. 

He also scored a brace on debut as Bafana Bafana defeated Uganda 3-2 in an international friendly match played at the Orlando Stadium on June 10.

"Our boys Mosele and Makgopa have a bright future in football," Thoka told Sowetan.

"As a team, we are very proud of them. The awards these boys have won are the ultimate recognition the club gets for believing in young blood.

"This is the nature of Baroka, we believe in youngsters. Actually, we look at potential rather than to say ‘no, this one is for the future’. We don’t do that, we believe that the future is now."

The tactician went on to explain how his club chairman Khurishi Mphahlele has supported the technical bench in their bid to nurture upcoming talents.  

"I know other coaches are scared to take that risk of trusting youngsters because they are afraid that young players might be overwhelmed by the big stage and underperform, which could result in a job loss for coaches," Thoka continued.  

"However, here at Baroka we have the full support of the chairman. He believes in younger players, so it’s easy for us as coaches to throw them in the starting XI."

Thoka has further revealed the team will be aiming at promoting more youngsters into the senior team for the upcoming campaign.

"We will promote two or three youngsters from our development team. At this stage, we can’t give out their names because that could make them think they’ve already arrived, whereas they still have to show if they’re ready for [the] top flight or not," he added.

Baroka finished 10th in the concluded season having managed 34 points. They managed seven wins from the 30 games played, with 13 draws and 10 losses.  

They scored 28 goals in the process and conceded 36.