Buffon: Winning the Champions League would be exceptional

The 35-year-old has never won the Champions League, but believes his team have the talent to change that this season

Gianluigi Buffon says winning the Champions League would be an exceptional achievement for Juventus.

The Bianconeri kick off their European campaign against defending Superliga champions Copenhagen on Tuesday in Denmark, a side they have never previously met in the competition.

The Juve shot-stopper believes the club have improved over the summer with the signings of Angelo Ogbonna, Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente, and is hoping that will translate into results on the pitch for the two-time European champions.

“We’ve got two important years behind us and the club have strengthened the team in the transfer market,” he told reporters.

“But proof of this can only come from what happens on the pitch and it will be our enthusiasm and desire to keep surprising that will confirm this feeling.

“Winning the Champions League is an exceptional achievement, and something that hasn’t happened too often for us and other great teams.

“Managing to lift the trophy would be hugely satisfying, not only from a personal point of view, but for the whole environment here: fans, club and team-mates.”

Juventus will face their first test when they travel to the Parken Stadium, a venue they failed to win at in last year’s competition, drawing 1-1 with Superliga outfit Nordsjaelland.

Antonio Conte’s side were drawn in Group B with Real Madrid, Galatasaray and Copenhagen, and Buffon is excited to test himself against some of Europe’s top teams.

He added: “I’m intrigued to see if we’re able to follow up the good things we did last year and improve the results we managed to gain. On paper you could say we’ve developed since then.”