"Fabio won because he is the best," Buffon was quoted as saying by Calcio Italia magazine on Tuesday.

"This year was an excellent one for him, he was able to win the (Italian) championship and the World Cup," added the 28-year-old, who teamed up with Cannavaro in winning both titles.

But Italy skipper Cannavaro joined Real Madrid in the summer after Juventus was demoted to Serie B as they were found guilty in the match fixing scandal that hit the Italian football.

Buffon finished second after getting 124 votes against 173 scooped by Cannavaro. France striker and Arsenal captain Thierry Henry finished third.

Buffon, currently playing with Juventus in Serie B, admitted that he wishes to be awarded the prestigious award in the future.

"When the newspapers started reporting that I could be the winner, I admit I believed that could maybe be true," he said.

"In any case, I don't see why this may not happen again in the future. Sooner or later I hope I will be able to reach this important result."