Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon says he wants to play in the 2018 World Cup.

However, he accepts the final decision will be left to new Italy coach Giampiero Ventura.

Buffon stated: “The decision is not made by a player, but by the performances on the field and the decisions of the Coach. My intention is to play on for another two years and hope to do so at my current level. If the next Italy CT sees it the same way, then we can go forward together.

“In this role, in this sport, there is no guarantee you'll be first choice. You have to keep earning it, because the moment you make a mistake, someone is ready to take your place.

“I think the joy of sport at the age of 38 is to live and experience these games as if they were the most important thing in your life. I still feel the emotion and even psychosomatic fever after games..."