Gianluigi Buffon expressed his respect for the Italian national team legend, Luigi Riva, who died earlier this week. The legend of the Italian and Cagliari national teams, Luigi Riva, died in a hospital in Cagliari on Monday (22/1/2024).
Luigi Riva, who spent 13 years defending Cagliari, has died at the age of 79. The death of Luigi Riva has caused deep sorrow for Gianluigi Buffon, who now serves as a delegate for the Italian national team. Buffon also recalled how he first discovered the greatness of Luigi Riva.
“The first time I heard about him was through stories from my father and mother. His football decisions marked how great a champion and a man he was,” said Buffon, quoted by Football Italia. “I remember when I met Gigi Riva. I was amazed by his presence. He had authority without having to speak. I was lucky enough to be close to him on various occasions,” added the former Parma and Juventus goalkeeper.
Luigi Riva is one of the best footballers Italy has ever had. Riva helped the Italian national team win the 1968 European Cup and became runner-up in the 1970 World Cup. Until now, Luigi Riva’s name is still listed as Gli Azzurri’s all-time top scorer with 35 goals. Riva also played a role in the success of the Italian national team in winning the 2006 World Cup as technical staff.
“In 2006, Gigi Riva was a decisive figure along with coach Marcello Lippi,” said Buffon. “I remember our hug when we won, we hugged each other in a unique way, it was the closing of a complete circle. Gigi entered the hearts of many people because of the choices he made. He was always consistent, always, and in every situation. Achieving the results he did, I think that is every human’s ambition,” said Buffon.
For Cagliari, Luigi Riva is the greatest player in the history of the club from the island of Sardinia. During his 13 years defending Cagliari, Riva, who plays as a striker, managed to score 207 goals in 374 appearances in all competitions. Luigi Riva was an important figure when the club won the Serie A scudetto in the 1969-1970 season, Cagliari’s only Italian League top competition title to date.
