Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny, known for his remarkable reflexes, has announced he is retiring from professional football, saying his heart is no longer in the game.
The 34-year-old, who has been a mainstay in European football for nearly two decades, shared the news in an emotional Instagram post, expressing his gratitude for the sport that defined his life.
Szczęsny's career began in his hometown of Warsaw, where his talent quickly caught the attention of European scouts. At just 16, he left for London to join Arsenal's youth academy.
“I left Warsaw, my hometown, in June of 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,” Szczęsny wrote on Instagram.
During his time with Arsenal, Szczęsny made 181 appearances, winning two FA Cups and the FA Community Shield. His performances earned him a reputation as one of the Premier League's top goalkeepers.
Szczęsny wrote: “I didn’t just realise my dreams, I’ve arrived where my imagination wouldn’t even dare to take me.”
His career reached new heights when he signed with Juventus in 2017. He succeeded the legendary Gianluigi Buffon as the club's first-choice goalkeeper.
“I played the game at the highest level with the best players in history without ever feeling inferior,” he wrote.
Over six seasons and 252 appearances, Szczęsny helped Juventus secure three Serie A titles, two Coppa Italia trophies, and two Supercoppa Italiana victories. His time in Turin solidified his place among the elite goalkeepers of his generation.
On the international stage, Szczęsny played in 84 matches for the Polish national football team. He was a key figure in Poland's campaigns in three UEFA European Championships (2012, 2016, 2020) and two World Cups (2018, 2022).
His performances were often heroic, particularly in the 2022 World Cup, where he saved two penalties in the group stages, one against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
“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.”
Szczęsny expressed sincere thanks to the fans who supported him throughout his career, acknowledging their role as the “most beautiful and romantic part of football.”
He closed his message with optimism, stating that while this chapter has ended, a new beginning awaits, one where he plans to "dream BIG."
Szczęsny's career began in his hometown of Warsaw, where his talent quickly caught the attention of European scouts. At just 16, he left for London to join Arsenal's youth academy.
“I left Warsaw, my hometown, in June of 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,” Szczęsny wrote on Instagram.
During his time with Arsenal, Szczęsny made 181 appearances, winning two FA Cups and the FA Community Shield. His performances earned him a reputation as one of the Premier League's top goalkeepers.
In 2015, he moved to AS Roma on loan, where he further honed his skills, becoming one of Serie A's standout goalkeepers.We will never forget this double save 🧤
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 27, 2024
All the best in your retirement, Wojciech ❤️ pic.twitter.com/D2ltRkWcKb
Szczęsny wrote: “I didn’t just realise my dreams, I’ve arrived where my imagination wouldn’t even dare to take me.”
His career reached new heights when he signed with Juventus in 2017. He succeeded the legendary Gianluigi Buffon as the club's first-choice goalkeeper.
“I played the game at the highest level with the best players in history without ever feeling inferior,” he wrote.
Over six seasons and 252 appearances, Szczęsny helped Juventus secure three Serie A titles, two Coppa Italia trophies, and two Supercoppa Italiana victories. His time in Turin solidified his place among the elite goalkeepers of his generation.
“Everything that I have and everything that I am I owe to the beautiful game of football,” he said.Happy retirement, Wojciech Szczęsny 🧤#UCL pic.twitter.com/PHQACDtnmX
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 27, 2024
On the international stage, Szczęsny played in 84 matches for the Polish national football team. He was a key figure in Poland's campaigns in three UEFA European Championships (2012, 2016, 2020) and two World Cups (2018, 2022).
His performances were often heroic, particularly in the 2022 World Cup, where he saved two penalties in the group stages, one against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
In his retirement announcement, Szczęsny said that although he still feels strong, his heart is no longer in the game.Shot Stopper Szczesny 🇵🇱🧤#FIFAWorldCup | @13Szczesny13 pic.twitter.com/YY0FUCSykH
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) August 27, 2024
“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.”
Szczęsny expressed sincere thanks to the fans who supported him throughout his career, acknowledging their role as the “most beautiful and romantic part of football.”
He closed his message with optimism, stating that while this chapter has ended, a new beginning awaits, one where he plans to "dream BIG."
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