Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has announced his retirement from football at the age of 34, just days after the expiration of his contract with Juventus. Despite feeling physically capable of continuing, Szczesny revealed on Instagram that his heart was no longer in the game, leading him to step away from the sport to focus on his family. “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,” he wrote.
Szczesny enjoyed a distinguished career, earning 84 international caps for Poland, with his final appearance coming at Euro 2024. He was Poland’s first-choice goalkeeper in the tournament, but after losing their first two group games, he was rested for their final match against France.
His club career was equally notable, with significant stints at Arsenal and Juventus. Szczesny’s journey began in 2006 when he left Poland to join Arsenal’s academy. “Little did I know it would be a start of a journey of a lifetime,” he reflected. At Arsenal, he won two FA Cups and established himself as a top goalkeeper. In 2017, he moved to Juventus, where he succeeded the legendary Gianluigi Buffon. During his time in Turin, Szczesny won three Serie A titles and three Italian Cups, keeping an impressive 103 clean sheets in 252 appearances.
On August 14, Juventus and Szczesny mutually agreed to terminate his contract, prompting speculation in the Italian media about a potential move to Saudi Arabia. However, Szczesny has now chosen to end his playing career altogether. Reflecting on his time in the sport, he expressed pride in his achievements, stating, “I played the game at the highest level with the best players in history without ever feeling inferior. I gave the game 18 years of my life, every day, without excuses.”
Szczesny’s retirement marks the end of an 18-year journey that saw him compete at the highest levels of football, earning respect for his consistency, professionalism, and skill. His departure leaves a lasting legacy in both international and club football, particularly at Arsenal and Juventus, where he played significant roles in their successes.