Juventus' Buffon: News of Conte's departure 'definitely ruined my day'

Antonio Conte's resignation as Juventus manager caught many people by surprise, including Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

“The news has definitely ruined my day, it is unexpected, a bolt from the blue,” Buffon said, according to forzaitalianfootball.com.

Buffon believes the decision was a mutual one - the resolution of "something that was smoldering for a long time." He does not know the reason Conte left but plans to speak with him "as soon as possible."

Buffon emphasized the scale of losing Conte and the impact it will have on the club going forward:

Juventus lost so much because it is useless to deny the real value of our coach, his merited it in these three years and it is true that we have all matured thanks to him, and now we have solid club and directors who will overcome this loss. We players also know that we should find that sense of responsibility and respect in our work, for the fans and for the team. We are not at year zero, but this increases the responsibility for everyone now.

Buffon doesn't know who will replace Conte but remained confident in Juventus' ability to remain competitive in Serie A.

"At these times you need to show greater togetherness and at times like these we see the true fan," he said.