Wojciech Szczesny explains shock retirement U-turn ahead of Barcelona move

Evening Standard

·26. September 2024

Wojciech Szczesny explains shock retirement U-turn ahead of Barcelona move

The former Arsenal goalkeeper set to join La Liga leaders

Wojciech Szczesny has claimed it would have been “disrespectful” for him to stay retired instead of joining Barcelona.

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The La Liga giants have been forced into making an emergency signing following Marc-Andre ter Stegen was ruled out for most of the season with a ruptured patella tendon suffered in Sunday’s win against Villarreal.

Szczesny announced his retirement in August after Juventus, but now the 34-year-old is set to sign a short-term deal with Barca.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Sport, the 34-year-old said: “‘I have a lot of respect for Barca’s history, it is one of the best clubs in the world”

“I understand the difficult situation that has arisen for them after Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s injury and I think it would be disrespectful of me not to consider this option.”

The Polish stopper’s prospective new manager Hansi Flick refused to be drawn on the subject following his side’s 1-0 victory over Getafe on Wednesday night, which kept up their 100% league record this season.

“I’m only talking about the players I have” Flick said.

“Inaki [Pena] is our number one goalkeeper and we’re very happy with him. That’s all I can say”

“Inaki is 25 years old, but the other goalkeepers are very young. We need more experience and that’s why we’re talking about it. We’ve talked about it and discussed it, and we’ll have to decide.”

The former Arsenal goalkeeper will provide competition and cover for Pena, a La Masia graduate, when his move is confirmed.