The 39-year-old goalkeeper missed out on becoming the first Italian player to appear in six World Cups after the Azzurri fell to Sweden in a play-off


Gianluigi Buffon was in tears as he confirmed his retirement from international play after Italy's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, and the football world reacted on Twitter.

The legendary goalkeeper had previously indicated his intention to step away from the Azzurri following the tournament in Russia. But Italy were eliminated from contention for the World Cup with a 0-0 second-leg draw against Sweden on Monday in Milan, as the visitors advanced on aggregate following a 1-0 win in the first leg.

Fans, players, clubs and news outlets reacted on social media as Buffon teared up during a post-match interview.

"I don't want to cry in front of the kids watching at home on TV who dream of playing for Italy," Buffon said in his heartbreaking remarks.

Check out the best Twitter reactions to Buffon hanging up his gloves on the international level:
http://www.ocnsports.com/2017/11/it-was-hard-not-to-cry-with-buffon.html