Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes Gianluigi Donnarumma can 'mark an era' while wishing his Milan counterpart a happy birthday.
Donnarumma turned 18 on Saturday but has already established himself as Milan's first-choice goalkeeper, while he is also being earmarked as Buffon's successor on the international stage with Italy.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia as reported byFootball Italia, Buffon wished the prodigy a happy birthday while telling the teenager to'be happy'.
Ciao Gigio, I wish you a very happy birthday. Finally you can enter into the world of the big boys, which you belong to already,� Buffon said.
Enjoy your age as much as possible, which is the age of maturity. You'll understand that it's difficult in the world of adults, but you have all the qualities it takes “ moral and human “ to create an important space for yourself, be happy and mark an era.�
Donnarumma debuted for Milan as a 16-year-old in October 2015 against Sassuolo. The Milan academy graduate has gone on to feature in 59 matches for Milan, keeping 19 clean sheets and conceding 63 goals in the process.
Such is his potential that there has been talk of a potential move away from Milan for Donnarumma, with Juventus being linked heavily with the Italy international. With Buffon expected to retire after next year's World Cup, Juventus will be on the lookout for a replacement goalkeeper and Donnarumma could be seen as the ideal candidate.
His current contract at Milan expires in 2018 and his agent Mino Raiola is pushing the Italian giants for a new four-year deal worth £9m a year.