Ahead of their meeting in the Champions League last 16 tie on Wednesday, FC Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillias spoke to UEFA.com and sang the praises of his opposite number and Juventus 'keeper Gianluigi Buffon calling him "one of the best of all time."
Casillias spoke of his admiration for Buffon who he said "he looked up to" at the start of his career at Real Madrid.
"I am lucky enough to be three years younger than Gigi. I was 14 when I started and he was 18; I was able to see and appreciate his style and personality."
"As I grew up, I looked up to him and then we evolved together and we've had similar careers. We've both won a lot and we've often played against each other.
I think Italian football won't have another goalkeeper like him. In Europe and around the world, he's considered one of the best of all time."
When asked to comment on their rivalry Casillias responded with a message of respect.
"Ours is a healthy, positive rivalry: we really appreciate each other and playing against him is always a pleasure. He is a player who is known and admired all over the world and he is part of the history of this game."