In pics: Teary Buffon says no regrets after Euro quarterfinal exit

The illustrious Italy custodian looked inconsolable but ready to accept the defeat with dignity

The roller-coaster penalty shootout between Italy and Germany came to a teary end for Gianluigi Buffon when Jonas Hector converted the 18th kick of one of the wildest shootouts in European Championship history as the World Champions clinched a 6-5 victory to book a place in the semifinals.

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon walks off the pitch at the end of the Euro 2016 quarterfinal soccer match between Germany and Italy. (AP)

The illustrious Italy custodian looked inconsolable but ready to accept the defeat with dignity.

“It’s a shame. When a team (Germany) misses three penalties out of five and you still don’t manage to win it becomes complicated,” said Buffon.

“Sometimes it goes your way, other times it doesn’t. But that’s all a big part of sport, and you have to accept it.

“We wanted to leave this tournament without any regrets and that’s what we will do. We made our people proud and for this we can’t be sorry,” Buffon told media.

Buffon acknowledges the crowds after Italy lost in the penalty shoot-out.

The illustrious Italy custodian looked inconsolable but ready to accept the defeat with dignity.

Buffon (R) congratulates his German counterpart Manuel Neuer.

Buffon greets Germany's midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger after the match.

Buffon walks off the pitch at the end of the Euro 2016 quarterfinal soccer match against Germany.

A visibly dejected Buffon looks on after Italy’s quarterfinal loss.

Buffon reacts after the game.

Buffon celebrates after Germany's Mesut Ozil misses the penalty.