Football News
Wojciech Szczęsny didn't want to sign for Barça, he makes a surprising revelation
This Wednesday, Wojciech Szczęsny was made official by FC Barcelona. But at first, the Pole was not really enthusiastic about this idea.
FC Barcelona started this news well, but will lose Marc-André ter Stegen to injury. The German goalkeeper was injured against Villarreal in La Liga and is not expected to return until the end of the season. For the moment, it is Inaki Pena who plays the role of replacement. However, he is not yet showing himself at the mission level. Thus, Barça, which had the opportunity to recruit a goalkeeper free of any contract, did not hesitate at all. It was then that the leaders attacked Wojciech Szczęsny, former goalkeeper of Juventus Turin and Poland who was retired.
Several goalkeepers were free and on the market, but it was the Pole who was the choice of the Blaugrana club. And during the negotiations, this did not really complicate the task for the leaders of the Catalan club. However, the idea of coming out of retirement did not really appeal to Wojciech Szczęsny who must embark on a new great adventure at FC Barcelona. But he later changed his mind, because his entourage convinced him to accept the Catalan offer.
Wojciech Szczęsny was already ready to enjoy his retirement
After announcing his retirement from football, the Polish goalkeeper wanted to enjoy his free time like a certain Toni Kroos. Except that in his case, FC Barcelona came and turned everything upside down in his plan. Nevertheless, he feels happy to have signed for a club like Barça. Wojciech Szczęsny was a big fan of the Blaugrana club and it's like a dream come true.
“It’s a moment of maximum pride. Honestly, I was prepared for retirement. I was happy in that situation, but being here in the city and seeing how people treated me and how important it is to them made me proud to be part of this exciting family. Even though it is a big institution and a big football club, I felt the feeling of being with family. Family is very important to me and now I have expanded it a little”he declared after signing. Still, he could have refused this offer.
Szczesny's entourage counted in his choice
Wojciech Szczęsny admits that it was those close to him who encouraged him to agree to play for FC Barcelona. Because for his part, he had already made the decision to put down his gloves. People like Robert Lewandowski were among those who played a big role in his choice, he says. “He was the first person who called me to look into the possibility of this happening because I was retired. At the beginning, I was not prepared for new professional challenges. I spoke to my family and friends and they all told me it would be a mistake not to accept this. This is why Robert played a very important role, because it was he who had the idea to convince me”.
“I’ve always been a fan. I can see the passion of the fans, it was very nice to watch the match in the stadium, the team looks interesting. This challenge is exciting for me. I face it with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. I am ready to work hard and take on the challenges that await us this season”concludes the new Barça goalkeeper. Note that it will not play instantly. Since he must get back up to speed, he who has not played a match since Euro 2024 with Poland.