Former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny officially retires from professional football after an 18-year career in the sport. The 34-year-old goalkeeper took to Instagram to announce his decision and explained the reason behind it.
He said, “Today, though, my body still feels ready for challenges; my heart is not there anymore. I feel that right now it is time to give all of my attention to my family—my amazing wife Marina and our two beautiful children, Liam and Noelia. Therefore, I have decided to retire from professional football.”
Szczesny’s Career
Szczesny recently parted ways with Juventus on a mutual agreement and was looking for a new club. There were reports of him signing for Saudi giants Al Nassr, but negotiations broke down. He has played 84 times for Poland since making his senior debut in 2009.
The Polish goalkeeper started his career as a 16-year-old in 2006 and went on to make 181 first-team appearances for the north London club, helping them to win the FA Cup in 2014 and 2015.
After his tenure with Arsenal, he spent two seasons on loan at Roma before joining Juventus on a permanent deal in the summer of 2017. He played 252 times for the Biconeris, winning 8 major titles, including three Serie A titles.
“I left Warsaw, my hometown, in June 2006 to join Arsenal with one dream—to make a living out of football. Little did I know it would be the start of a journey of a lifetime. Little did I know that I would get to play for the biggest clubs in the world and represent my country 84 times. Little did I know that not only would I make a living out of the game, but the game would become my whole life,” Szczęsny wrote.
He continued, “Now, every story has an end, but in life, every ending is a new beginning. What this new path will bring for me, only time will tell. But if the last 18 years have taught me anything, it is that nothing is impossible, and believe me, I’m going to dream BIG!”
Also Read: Gary Neville names the one club he would have joined if he left Manchester United