Wojciech Szczęsny announces retirement from professional football

Wojciech Szczesny, the former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper has announced his retirement from professional football earlier today. Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on Twitter that the Polish goalkeeper has decided to take this step

Wojciech Szczesny wrote a lengthy note on Instagram announcing this decision. He said, “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. 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.”

The former Arsenal custodian added that, “I didn’t just realise 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.”

“I have decided to retire from professional football” : Wojciech Szczesny

The Polish International concluded by saying that, “But I also gave the game all I had. I gave the game 18 years of my life, everyday, without excuses. Today, tough 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.”

A few weeks back, Wojciech Szczesny and Juventus had decided to part ways, agreeing to a mutually beneficial contract termination. Szczesny used to make €6.5 million net every season, that was making him one of Juventus' biggest earners. This was one of the reasons as to why the club had to offload Szczesny during the summer and go for a viable option financially between the sticks.