I couldn't desert my team: Buffon

Italy goalkeeping legend Gianluigi Buffon confirmed on Tuesday he is ready to come out of international retirement if he is called up for friendlies against England and Argentina.

Buffon called time on his international career after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia. But Italy interim national coach Luigi Di Biagio said on Monday he was ready to recall Buffon for friendlies against Argentina and England in Manchester and London in late March.

"I had thought about going on holiday for a few days with my family, but when the national team needs you, you must be present and not desert them," Buffon told Italian programme Tiki Taka.

The 40-year-old goalkeeper has represented the Azzurri for 20 years, winning the 2006 World Cup title, and earning a record 175 caps.

"There's nothing to add to Di Biagio's words other than I feel a sense of responsibility and loyalty which I must give to the national team in this transitional moment," he continued. "I repeat, it's a way of showing loyalty and a sense of responsibility towards Italy. A new national team is being born and the first games are not comfortable ones.

"I think that any experienced player can be useful at the start, even if it's just to give advice to the young ones."

Buffon, who intends to retire as a player at the end of the season, said he will announce his final decision in due course.

"The only thing I have to do right now is focus on the end of the season," Buffon continued. "The thing I can tell you is that I'm sure and I'm very happy with what will be my choice.