New Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has opened up about his Juventus exit, admitting that it was not his plan to retire in the summertime.
Szczesny had loved an exquisite seven season spell in Turin with the Italian giants, making 252 appearances in all competitions after changing the legendary Gianluigi Buffon because the membership’s primary goalkeeper. Throughout his Juve profession, the goalkeeper gained three Scudetti and one Serie A Goalkeeper of the Yr award.
The 34-year-old then surprisingly introduced his retirement over the summer time, agreeing to the termination of his deal at Juventus.
Talking in an interview with YouTuber Luca Toselli, the ex-Poland worldwide has make clear his retirement, revealing that it was not a call wished to make:
“I wished to proceed serving to the workforce [Juventus] this season, so what occurred was as much as me. I did not count on to be neglected of the venture – I by no means would’ve imagined it,” revealed Szczesny
“In the beginning of final season I spoke frankly with sporting director Giuntoli after we had been as a result of focus on my renewal. I informed him that, on the finish of the 2024/25 season, I’d have retired, however then I learn the information about Di Gregorio within the newspapers.
“I believed I’d’ve been second selection [this season] as a result of Matia Perin wished to go to a different membership.
“After they signed him [Di Gregorio] nonetheless, we mentioned the termination of my contract. It was the membership’s choice and I didn’t agree with it, however I accepted it.
“I wished one other yr at Juve. I felt I may nonetheless give quite a bit. I’ve no onerous emotions in the direction of Giuntoli, I nonetheless respect the membership and I’ll proceed to be a Juve fan.”
The goalkeeper has since made a return to skilled soccer, signing a contract at Barcelona as an emergency alternative for Marc-Andre ter Stegen – who is ready to overlook the rest of the 2024/25 season as a result of an ACL harm.
Chatting with his new membership’s press following his transfer, the goalkeeper mentioned he was his ‘final probability’ to play on the high stage:
“In life, I strive to not consider in future. If Ter Stegen’s harm had occurred when the switch window was open, I wouldn’t have come right here. If it had occurred two weeks later, I additionally wouldn’t have come right here as a result of it might have been too late, and I wouldn’t have gotten off the sofa.
“This was my final probability to organize to play at a excessive stage. I consider it will need to have been written within the stars someplace.”
Szczesny may make his Barca debut this weekend throughout the La Liga conflict with Deportivo Alaves.
