Gianluigi Buffon is one of the most universally adored players in footballing history.
Juventus fans love him. Italy fans love him. Parma fans love him. Even supporters of rival clubs tend to have a soft spot in their hearts for the veteran goalkeeper.
Buffon is seldom anything but a shining example to young footballers as he presents himself as a respectful and classy role model every time he takes to the pitch.
But the Juve stopper has bizarrely drawn the ire of Manchester United fans after giving his opinion on the top ‘keepers in the world.
Speaking ahead of his side’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid, Buffon listed six names when asked for his opinion.
He said: “Not taking into account Italian keepers, I would say [Jan] Oblak, [Keylor] Navas, [Marc-André] ter Stegen, Ederson, [Manuel] Neuer and [Thibaut] Courtois.
“I hope I did not forget anybody.”
One glaring omission, as you may have noticed, is United’s reliable last line of defence, David De Gea.
On countless occasions, De Gea has spared the Red Devils’ blushes by coming up with a piece of athletic brilliance between the sticks.
In the eyes of many neutrals, the Spanish No. 1 is, in fact, the world’s top goalkeeper and while it’s entirely likely that Buffon simply forgot to name him, supporters are not prepared to give the 40-year-old the benefit of the doubt as they’ve torn into him on social media.
https://twitter.com/edcarsbending/status/984099786071662592
Rating Ederson and Courtois ahead of De Gea, age has really caught up with Gianluigi Buffon.
Sad.— Arun (@ManUtdSZN) April 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/9MancZ/status/984096154114772992
How De Gea is not in this is beyond me. Buffon is so deluded it's funny https://t.co/YVNWhci6hm
— Daniel (@Hummelsesque) April 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/Halal0/status/984083965664473089
https://twitter.com/MataEffect/status/984082541740220419
Buffon overlooking de gea in his top 5 keepers in the world? Bloke was finished years ago but still playing due to his reputation. Can’t wait for the don to put hat trick past him tonight
— F (@RvLittlePea) April 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/RL9FC/status/984080671957307392
