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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

The Gianluigi Buffon Hearts yardstick for Craig Gordon as skipper uses Italy legend as inspiration

Craig Gordon admits he can't think about quitting football while Gianluigi Buffon keeps going week in, week out at 45.

The Hearts No1 is currently sidelined with a horror leg break after a clash in the Christmas Eve showdown with Dundee United. The skipper, 40, wants to return to action next season and is starting his rehab journey. He only needs to look at Italy legend Buffon for inspiration as he still turns out for Parma in Serie B with a year still on his deal.

The Scotland international admits he is just taking things one season at a time now he is 40 with his full focus on giving himself the best chance to return to action next season. He told the Scottish Sun: “Yeah, I wish he would quit and it would make it a bit easier, give you something to aim for! It’s crazy how long Buffon’s kept going for, though.

READ MORE: James Hill on being spotted in public by Hearts fans as he sends 'working so hard' message

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“Maybe the weather’s warmer over in Italy and the winters are less harsh

“He’s a league down from Serie A just now, but the standard is very good. For him to still be playing at that level is incredible.

“Who knows if I can ever go on that long? At the moment, it’s about trying to get back from this injury. That’s my focus.”

He continued: “You see it in other sports, guys going on after their 40th birthday, into their mid-forties.

"That still feels like a long way away, even though I’ve just turned 40. It’s about taking one season at a time, and for me at this moment it’s about even less than that.

“It’s about how far I can move this along, and get it as good as I can to give myself the chance to be back some time next season.”

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