This April (2026), in London, I had the privilege of working as an Italian conference interpreter during an in-depth interview between Don McRae and Gianluigi Buffon – one of the most iconic goalkeepers in the history of football – at The Guardian’s premises.
A conversation that moved far beyond football — touching on identity, legacy, pressure, and transition at the highest level of the game.
What often remains unseen is the preparation behind moments like this:
immersing yourself in past interviews, reading extensively, and even revisiting footage to fully immerse yourself in Buffon’s journey — long before the conversation begins.
Then, a quiet, intimate setting.
A small table, a handful of people, and a conversation carrying both personal depth and global resonance.
In those moments, my role is not simply to translate —but to enable a Guardian-level conversation with a global icon, exploring identity, legacy, and transition, while carrying nuance, intent, and presence in real time.
A demanding, high-trust environment — and a deeply rewarding experience. 🏆
Very grateful to have supported this exchange and hopefully many more to come ✨
Read the full interview by Don McRae : https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/22/gianluigi-buffon-unbeatable-omnipotent-italy-world-cup-goalkeeper-interview
