In a new book extract, former Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has revealed the details of a panic attack he suffered before a Juventus match against Reggina in February 2004, an experience that he says nearly ended his career.
Buffon described feeling a sense of fear he did not understand as he struggled to breathe and felt dizzy during the pre-match warm-up. The Juventus Stadium was half-empty on a wet, cold Turin evening, and the noise from the speakers only added to his unease.
The goalkeeping coach, Ivano Bordon, noticed something was wrong and told Buffon he did not have to play if he did not feel up to it. That phrase, 'you aren't obliged to,' was what freed the goalkeeper from the pressure of duty, allowing him to breathe more easily and regain some composure.
Buffon recalled telling himself he could stop playing football after the match, and that the game was just 90 minutes to endure. After a brief walk on the pitch to collect his thoughts, he decided to play, and the panic attack subsided. Juventus went on to win the match, but the incident remained a pivotal moment in his career.
