Buffon: There won't be another 1000 games!

Gianluigi Buffon was on playful form before his 1000th senior appearance, saying that the only certainty for his future would be that he would not repeat the incredible feat.

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Albania will provide the opposition for the Italy captain as he racks up four figures of senior games in Friday's World Cup qualifier.

A world champion with the Azzurri in 2006, Buffon remains at the peak of his powers at the age of 39 and he is looking forward to a special occasion in Palermo.

"As far as I am concerned, tomorrow will be a huge honour," he told a news conference.

"The only certainty that I can give is that there will not be another 1000 games!"

Buffon has previously stated that he intends to retire after the 2018 World Cup, but he would not be pressed on any changes to his plans, explaining: "I have to think about that and see what I feel in my heart."

There may well be a celebratory atmosphere at the Stadio Renzo Barbera, but the Azzurri captain was quick to preach focus.

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"There is a great respect and real fear for tomorrow's game," Buffon added. "That is not just rhetoric.

"Albania is a country that has enjoyed massive growth in the last two years and they showed what they can do at the Euros."