World champion and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon yesterday entertained the crowds and played football with children with cancer at the Puttinu Football marathon held at the Marsa Football ground.

In a brief comment to the press, the Italian goalkeeper said that he participated in the event to show that there are more important things than football in life. It is important to play with children and this is an event that has a worthy cause behind it, he said.

Buffon said that he was not sure about what his future holds for him but added that since Juventus are playing in Serie B, he has more free time on his hands.

A group of little boys all lined up to shoot penalties while Buffon towered in the goalpost. Entering in the spirit of the marathon, he tried to save the goals, sometimes managing and sometimes not.

The children who managed to score were enthusiastic, running back to the end of the line with a huge smile on their face.

One young boy said that he had been looking forward to playing with the Italian world champion. “I side with Arsenal and England so I don’t support him, so I made sure I scored,” he said.

Another little boy said that he sided with the Italians and as a result he was very happy to have scored while Buffon was guarding the goalpost.

Following the penalty kicks, the parents played a football match against the children with Buffon as the children’s goalkeeper.

Throughout the game he kept a close eye on what was happening, constantly giving hints and instructions, telling the defence to move in closer or to watch out for a particular player.

Buffon encouraged the children, praising them with exclamations of “Bravo!” and “Vai!” when they managed to tackle well or had a good shot.

Although the stands were not full, there was a considerable crowd of Juventus fans who cheered the players and Buffon during the game.

After the game, Puttinu president and consultant pediatric oncologist at St Luke’s Hospital Victor Calvagna said that playing with Buffon was a new experience.

“I admired that he has such a good heart and that he is so humble. Through his participation he gave Puttinu a great push and helped create more awareness. All famous footballers should be like that,” said Dr Calvagna.

After the game, Buffon stopped to take photos with the parents, children and photographers. In the meantime he was constantly signing T-shirts, caps and footballs.

Before he left, he was presented with a commemorative plaque and while thanking the crowds for their welcome and support, he jokingly commented, much to their amusement, that he was not in full shape during the game.

After playing with the children, the Italian goalkeeper went to the Juventus Supporters Club to meet his fans.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Opposition Leader Alfred Sant also visited the marathon yesterday.