The Italy skipper’s representative is adamant his client can stay in the game until he is 40 and says the Azzurri are back among the top-five teams in the world.

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has at least another five years ahead of him, according to his agent Silvano Martina.

The 35-year-old came in for criticism during Italy’s Confederations Cup campaign and was even labelled a “pensioner” by Franz Beckenbauer after the Bianconeri’s 2-0 loss to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

However, Martina is certain his client will ease towards 40 and possibly even appear for the country during the World Cup 2018 in Russia.

“Gigi can reach 40 quietly and without a fuss,” the player’s representative told Radio Sportiva.

“He can even make it to the World Cup in 2018. Gigi is an absolute champion and still the strongest goalkeeper of them all.

“The penalty shoot-out against Spain was unlucky, those were simply unstoppable. A goalkeeper can’t really be judged by a shoot-out.”

Martina also feels Italy are back at the highest level following their third-placed finish at the Confederations Cup and can be considered one of the favourites to win the World Cup in Brazil next year.

“The Confederations Cup was an event which prepared the team well for next year,” he added.

“Italian football has got back to its optimum level, we are back among the top five in the world.”

According to Goal