Buffon needs knee operation

Gianluigi Buffon has admitted he will soon need to go under the knife in order to cure a knee complaint.

The Juventus goalkeeper has been nursing the injury for some time, but has put off an operation in order to help out both his club and country.

However, after figuring for Italy in their 2-2 with Republic of Ireland on Saturday, the 31-year-old revealed that he cannot carry on much longer.

Buffon has been back to his brilliant best this season, after a number of niggling knocks have hampered his performances of late.

He hopes he will be fit enough to carry on until mid-December, until after Juve take on Serie A champions Inter Milan, but accepts that may not be the case.

“My knee is wrecked,” he said.

“I need an operation. I’ll carry on as long as I can though.”