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Mannone: Arsenal teammates now call me Buffon!

Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone admits teammates have dubbed him 'Buffon' after his recent heroics.

Reflecting on his famous performance against Fulham, Mannone told the Official Matchday Programme: "I just went with my family and shared the happiness with them.

"I watched the game again on TV that night, with my family, and we were all very happy. Really it's difficult to explain what's happening around me at the moment - it's been crazy for the last few days so I'm just keeping my feet on the floor and work hard in training.

"When I got back into the dressing room [after the Fulham game], all the players chanted my name. I was very happy. The best thing is when your team-mates are pleased and proud of you. One of the most important things for a goalkeeper is for the team to have confidence in you. If you do the right thing it's important for them as well because they are nice and relaxed, they know I am there. I can sort out some problems for them and they can do the same for me.

"They are calling me Gigi [Buffon, the Italian No 1]," he added. "It's a very big compliment for me. Even in training now, when I make a save - I'm not Vito anymore!"

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