Wojciech Szczesny Announces Retirement From Football After Juventus Exit

Former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has announced his surprise retirement from professional football at the age of 34.

Szczesny has parted ways with Juventus, as they mutually agreed to terminate his contract. Last season, he made 35 appearances in Serie A and represented Poland at Euro 2024 this past summer.

However, instead of securing a new club as anticipated, the Serie A’s goalkeeper of the year for the 2019/20 season has decided to retire from professional football.

Szczesny made his retirement known with a lengthy Instagram post, explaining that while he is physically in a good place to continue, his heart is no longer in it.

“I left Warsaw, my hometown in June of 2006 to join Arsenal with one dream – to make a living out of football,” he began.

“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.

“I didn’t just realize my dreams; I’ve arrived where my imagination wouldn’t even dare to take me.

I played the game at the highest level with the best players in history without ever feeling inferior. I’ve made friends for life, created unforgettable memories, and met people who have made an incredible impact on my life.

“Everything that I have and everything that I am I owe to the beautiful game of football…

“But I also gave the game all I had. I gave the game 18 years of my life, every day, without excuses. 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, Marin, and our two beautiful children Liam and Noelia. Therefore, I have decided to retire from professional football.

“A journey’s end is a time for reflection and gratitude. There are a lot of people that I would have to thank in this spot, but I will try to do that personally with each one of them. But to you – the fans I owe a special thank you for being on this journey with me.

“For the support and criticism, for the love and hate, for being the most beautiful and romantic part of football. Without you, none of this would make any sense! Thank you! 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!”

After a loan stint at Brentford, Szczesny became a regular between the sticks for the Gunners for four seasons before joining Roma on loan.

He finished his career with seven years at Juventus, where he won three Serie A titles, three Italian Cups, and two Italian Super Cups before his contract was mutually terminated earlier this month.