Gianluigi Buffon could prolong his career for a couple of seasons, according to the goalkeeper’s agent Silvano Martina. The 40-year-old was initially expected to hang up his boots at the end of the season, but following another call-up to the Italy squad, he is considering the prospect of playing on for a few more years.

Speaking to RMC Sport, Martina said: “It’s still soon. Time will tell how he feels. If he carries on, he wants to be a protagonist and not in the shadows. I also think he’s still looking good and he could play on for another two years, but he needs to have that fire burning inside him which spurs you on.It’s up to him to decide by himself if he wants to continue or not.”

The veteran shot-stopper was picked by the Azzurri for the upcoming friendlies against Argentina and England, and the decision was met by mixed reactions from former players, including Fabio Cannavaro, who won the 2006 World Cup with Buffon. Cannavaro was not in favour of the idea of continuing with veteran players as the country need to rebuild after failing to make the summer World Cup finals in Russia.

Despite this, Martina spoke fondly of his client, and believes Buffon has the commitment to continue at the highest level. The Italian has been the first-choice between the sticks for Juventus since his arrival from Parma in 2001, but the current season could be one of his toughest in recent times with the Serie A title far from guaranteed.

Napoli have created a four-point lead over the Bianconeri, who have a game in hand, and the race for the Scudetto is likely to go all the way. Meanwhile, the club find themselves in the Italian Cup final, where they face an in-form AC Milan whilst they face a must-win against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley to progress beyond the round of 16 stage of the Champions League.