Former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has introduced his shock retirement from skilled soccer on the age of 34.
Szczesny was not too long ago launched from his Juventus contract by mutual settlement. He made 35 appearances in Serie A final season and was at Euro 2024 with Poland earlier this summer season, however as an alternative of discovering a brand new membership as anticipated, Serie A’s 2019/20 goalkeeper of the yr has give up the sport.
Szczesny made his retirement recognized with a prolonged Instagram publish, explaining that whereas he’s bodily in place to proceed, his coronary heart is not in it.
“I left Warsaw, my hometown in June of 2006 to hitch Arsenal with one dream – to make a dwelling out of soccer,” he started.
“Little did I do know it could be a begin of a journey of a lifetime. Little did I do know that I might get to play for the most important golf equipment on the earth and symbolize my nation 84 occasions. Little did I do know that not solely would I make a dwelling out of the sport however the recreation would change into my entire life.
“I did not simply realise my goals, I’ve arrived the place my creativeness would not even dare to take me.
I performed the sport on the highest stage with one of the best gamers in historical past with out ever feeling inferior. I’ve made pals for all times, created unforgettable recollections and met individuals who have made an unimaginable influence on my life.
“All the things that I’ve and every part that I’m I owe to the attractive recreation of soccer…
“However I additionally gave the sport all I had. I gave the sport 18 years of my life, day-after-day, with out excuses. At the moment, powerful my physique nonetheless feels prepared for challenges, my coronary heart isn’t there anymore. I really feel that proper now it’s time to give all of my consideration to my household – my superb spouse Marina and our two lovely youngsters Liam and Noelia. Due to this fact, I’ve determined to retire from skilled soccer.
“A journey’s finish is a time for reflection and gratitude. There’s lots of people that I must thank on this spot however I’ll attempt to that personally with every one in all them. However to you – the followers I owe a particular thanks for being on this journey with me. For the help and criticism, for the love and hate, for being probably the most lovely and romantic a part of soccer. With out you none of this might make any sense! Thanks! Now, each story has an finish however in life each ending is a brand new starting.
“What this new path will convey for me solely the time will inform. But when the final 18 years have taught me something it’s that nothing is not possible and consider me, I will dream BIG!”
