Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon stands by criticism of AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli after their World Cup exit. Straight after the defeat to Uruguay, Buffon was highly critical of the young players who didn't step up, appearing to point the finger in particular at Mario Balotelli.
"I have never been afraid to express myself," the goalkeeper told the Corriere della Sera. "Sometimes opinions burst out of me like sneezes.
"I expressed an idea that I am still convinced of now, but in 20 years of my career I've never attacked a teammate. Imagine if I could've done that in such a moment. Besides, Balotelli is 24, so he's certainly not a young player.
"When I was 24 I hated people acting like big brothers or extra fathers with me. I have a father, a mother and two sisters already. So Balotelli needs no advice from me, he needs to listen to his family. If I had something to say to him, I'd do it directly.
"I played for the Nazionale two years after my Serie A debut and realised it was an honour and not an easy burden to shoulder. Now after three good performances a player gets into the squad and takes everything for granted.
"I agree with what De Rossi said. In these competitions it is your strength of character as a man that makes the difference."
