Parma goalkeeper Gigi Buffon has welcomed Cameroon legend Thomas N'Kono to the club's training ground.

Buffon admits seeing N'Kono play in the 1990 World Cup in Italy inspired him to take up goalkeeping. He later named his son Thomas after the N'Kono.

“Childhood idols will always remain idols, even decades later," wrote Buffon on Twitter and Instagram.

“It is always a pleasure to hug my friend Thomas N'Kono, the man who made me become a goalkeeper!"

Juventus great Buffon will later this month celebrate the 26th anniversary of his Serie A debut for Parma, in a 0-0 draw against Milan on November 19, 1995.