TURIN -- Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has decided to end his career with Juventus following the end of last season's competition.

Buffon's decision was also in line with the expiration of his contract with I Bianconeri, which expires on June 30, 2021. Had been rumored to be retiring, the 43-year-old goalkeeper turned out to be looking at other possibilities.

Buffon is said to be preparing to return to the first club where the former Paris Saint Germain (PSG) goalkeeper started his professional career, Parma. In fact, the signal for Buffon's return to Parma is reportedly getting stronger.

“Gigi Buffon has confirmed that he does not want to retire and will continue to play next season. He will join Parma in the second division,'' wrote Italian journalist, Fabrizio Romano, on his twitter account, Monday (14/6).

Having managed to return to the highest caste of football competition in Italy in the 2018/2019 season, Parma had to be willing to be relegated last season. I Gialloblu was only able to collect 20 points from 38 and slumped to the bottom of the final standings of Serie A last season.

Although Parma will appear in Serie B next season, Buffon is reportedly still willing to defend I Gialloblu. In fact, Buffon is said to have agreed with the offer of a contract duration from Parma's management.

"Buffon will return to the club where he started his career 26 years ago. Buffon's contract will soon be signed with a duration of until 2023,'' continued Romano's tweet.

Prior to his success with Juventus, including 10 Scudetto titles, one Serie B title, five Coppa Italia titles, Buffon started his career at Parma.

Buffon was a graduate of Parma's football academy and strengthened the youth team from 191 to 1995. Buffon was finally entrusted with the Parma first team in 1995.

During his six seasons for Parma, Buffon has appeared in 220 matches in all competitions. Buffon's slick performance with Parma also led the goalkeeper who led Italy to win the 2006 World Cup title to Juventus in 2001.

At that time, Juventus redeemed Buffon with a reported transfer value of 52 million euros.