Buffon's son pledges future to Czech Republic

Louis Buffon, son of Italian World Cup winner Gianluigi, says his international future is with the Czech Republic rather than his father's country.

The 17-year-old Pisa winger has been called up by the Czech Under-18s side for games against England, France and Portugal.

Buffon qualifies for the Czech national team through his mother, model Alena Seredova.

And the teenager, who made his professional debut for Pisa in the Italian second division earlier this month, says he will stay loyal to his mother's birth country.

"I talked to the family and we decided that playing for the Czech Republic would be best for my football career and my development," Buffon said in an interview for the Czech Football Association (FACR).

It means he will not follow in the footsteps of his father Gianluigi, who was part of the Italy side that won the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Buffon Sr played a major part in that success as part of a stellar 28-year professional career which saw him win 176 senior international caps, 10 Serie A titles with Juventus, as well as Ligue 1 with Paris St-Germain and the 1999 Uefa Cup at Parma.

But his son added: "My mum was naturally very happy but my dad was excited too because it was my first national team call-up. He also advised me to play for the Czech Republic, because it's the best way I can evolve as a player."

Louis was first called up by the Czech Under-18s for a training camp in February, sparking worldwide media interest.

"Honestly, I didn't expect that, but I have grown up under a microscope with my parents since I was a child and I hope they have taught me what to do and say," he said.

Louis would also not have a problem if he eventually played against Italy as he added: "I was born and grew up in Italy, but I think that to be a 100% professional and do my job as best I can, I have to see each game as important, whether against Italy or another national team."