Gianluigi Buffon

I will only retire when Buffon does, says Spain keeper Casillas

Published Jun. 12, 2016 5:48 a.m. ET

foxsports

Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas says he will not retire until Italy counterpart Gianluigi Buffon calls time on his illustrious career.

Juventus legend Buffon signed an extension to his contract in May, ensuring he will remain with the Serie A champions until the end of the 2017-18 season.

The 38-year-old could subsequently keep playing for the Italian giants beyond his 40th birthday.

Casillas, three years Buffon's junior, has an option to extend his Porto contract through to 2018 and has no plans to hang up his gloves before his counterpart.

"When he retires, I will too," Casillas, who has won two European Championship medals and a World Cup with Spain, told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He just signed a new deal and that makes me happy because that means I will too.

"When we call it quits we'll set up a nice match between my friends and his friends."

Casillas faces competition from David de Gea to claim the gloves for Spain's Euro 2016 opener against Czech Republic on Monday, with the defending champions looking to win the title for a third straight edition.

"The keeper believes the task will be more difficult this year, with France, Belgium and Germany among the frontrunners," he added.

"It will be more difficult than four years ago. France are good, Belgium are strong and then Germany are world champions. Italy and Portugal are always dangerous."

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