POLAND / Wojciech Szczęsny, 34, the Polish national football team goalkeeper, announced the end of his sports career. He announced the news on social media. He played 84 matches for the national team.
“I have given everything I have for over 18 years of my life to football. I have dedicated myself every day, without excuses. My body still feels ready for the challenges, my heart is not there anymore. I feel that now is the time to devote all my attention to my family – my wonderful wife Marina and our two beautiful children Liam and Noelia. That is why I have decided to retire from professional football,” the goalkeeper explained.
I didn’t know that football would become my whole life
He made his debut on November 18, 2009 in a friendly match against Canada in Bydgoszcz (1:0). He participated in the European Championships in 2012, 2016, 2021 and 2024 and the World Cups in 2018 and 2022. He comes from Warsaw and is the son of Maciej Szczęsny, who was also a goalkeeper. At the age of 16, he joined the “Gunners” academy. Szczęsny won a place in the first team of Arsenal in the 2010/11 season, when coach Arsene Wenger trusted the then 20-year-old goalkeeper.
“I left Warsaw, my hometown, in June 2006 to join Arsenal with one dream – to make a living from football. Little did I know that this would be the beginning of a life journey. Little did I know that I would play for the biggest clubs in the world and represent my country 84 times. Little did I know that not only would I earn my living from playing football, but it would become my whole life,” Szczęsny recalled on Instagram.
He won many trophies
He played for Arsenal London, Roma and Juventus Turin, with whom he terminated his contract in mid-August.
He has won many trophies in his career. With Juventus, he won three league titles and the Italian Cup, and the Italian Super Cup twice. With Arsenal, he won two FA Cups and the Community Shield.
“I not only fulfilled my dreams, but I went where my imagination didn’t even dare to take me. I played at the highest level with the best players in history, I never felt inferior,” the decorated player confessed.
“I have made lifelong friends, created unforgettable memories and met people who have had an incredible impact on my life. Everything I have and everything I am, I owe to the beautiful game of football,” he continued.
Thanks to the fans
Szczęsny ended his career quite early. He could have played at a high level for a few more seasons. Goalkeepers decide to part ways with football even after their 40th birthday. His decision was influenced by the mutual termination of his contract with Juventus, which was valid until 2025. The “Old Lady” preferred to bet on a younger goalkeeper.
“He will always be remembered as a dedicated player and a man who wore our shirt with pride and professionalism. Thank you for everything and good luck for the future!” the club wrote on its website at the time.
Szczęsny’s future has been in question. There was speculation that he would play in Spain or the United States. However, on Tuesday, the goalkeeper dispelled doubts and addressed the fans.
“The end of a journey is a time of reflection and gratitude. There are many people I would like to thank, but I will try to do it personally. But you, the fans, deserve special thanks for being with me on this journey. For your support and criticism, for your love and hate, for being the most beautiful and romantic part of football. Without you, nothing would make sense. Thank you,” he said.
“Every story has an end, but in life, every ending is a new beginning. Time will tell what this new path will bring me. But if the last 18 years have taught me anything, it’s that nothing is impossible,” concluded the former Polish national team player. (PAP)
mg/ krys/
