Gianluigi Buffon Names Arsenal's Petr Cech as the Best Goalkeeper of his Era

​Football celebrates 20 years of Gianluigi Buffon today but even with countless honours and even more clean sheets and legendary moments, the Italian believes that there is one goalkeeper of his generation that bested him.

The Juventus star is talking about none other than Arsenal's Petr Cech.

"In this era," Buffon said when asked which shot stopper was the best of his generation. "I think Casillas and Cech in recent years and [Manuel] Neuer. 

"The best goalkeeper with his feet? Pepe Reina. In the air I’d say Neuer. With his hands: Casillas. The best overall I’d say is Cech."

The respect Buffon has for his Arsenal colleague is very much mutual according to the Czech Republic great.

“Gigi has a unique personality," Cech told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Which not only affects his team-mates, but also his presence and leadership sometimes led his team to victory.

“He is a goalkeeper who becomes the key man for his team during key moments and provides security to his defence, who can trust him with their eyes closed.

“We have often exchanged messages and I have great respect for him.”

Buffon remains the most expensive goalkeeper in football history, having joined Juventus in a £32.6m move from Parma in 2001.