Juventus stalwarts Buffon, Barzagli extend contracts through 2018

Two crucial elements of Juventus' stingy backline will be staying with the club for another two seasons, as the Old Lady announced Wednesday that goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and defender Andrea Barzagli extended their contracts through June of 2018.

"I'm immensely proud in the faith Juventus have placed in me once more," the 38-year-old shot-stopper said.

Buffon, whose contract was set to expire at the end of next season, has been ever-present between the Bianconeri posts since joining the club from Parma back in 2001. The expiration of his new deal is expected to coincide with his retirement, as Buffon has long claimed that he will hang up his gloves following the 2018 World Cup.

Seemingly getting better with age, the club icon - affectionately dubbed 'Superman' by supporters - has featured in all but two of his side's matches this season (Serie A and Champions League).

Barzagli, the most unheralded of Juventus' league-best defence, joined the club in 2011 from Wolfsburg for a paltry €300,000 transfer fee - a deal that continues to look like a stroke of genius from Giuseppe Marotta.

He has featured in all but seven of the club's Serie A fixtures this season.

"Even at this age, I still have room to improve and this is the best place for me to do so," the 35-year-old centre-back said.