Gianluigi Buffon’s tribute to Philipp Lahm is the classiest thing you’ll see

From one legend to another.

Regardless of who you support, it's very likely that football romantics would love to see Gianluigi Buffon lift the Champions League trophy when Juventus take on Real Madrid in Cardiff. Granted, Zidane's side aren't exactly going to roll over for the Italian champions, but a win for 'The Old Lady' would see one of the most beloved footballers achieve a career first, Gianluigi Buffon winning the Champions League. Aside from being one of - if not the - finest goalkeeper of his generation, Buffon has consistently been one of the most respected and admired footballers around because the Italian legend just oozes class. Remember his immediate reaction after Italy lost to Ireland at Euro 2016? In case you need reminding, rather than head down the tunnel, the Juventus 'keeper went straight over to congratulate Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane.

Even Buffon is delighted for Ireland tonight. #Euros2016 #COYBIG #FansInGreen

A post shared by JOE.ie (@joe.ie) on Jun 22, 2016 at 2:05pm PDT

The words 'legend', 'icon' and 'hero' are used far too frequently to describe modern day footballers, but Buffon definitely belongs in this illustrious category and he's not alone because Xabi Alonso and Phillip Lahm are there alongside him. Over the years, Buffon has enjoyed plenty of battles against the Bayern Munich full-back and it's clear that the World Cup winner has nothing but the utmost respect for Lahm as he retires from the game. In a heartfelt message, Buffon jokingly states that Lahm is only retiring after winning "every trophy in your career" before deciding to stop. "For me, it has been a big honor to play against you because every time you were very determined and fair. Good luck for the future in football and every other area of you life," Buffon adds. Pure class. https://twitter.com/FCBayernUS/status/865990788181884931