New Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has opened up about his Juventus exit, admitting that it was not his plan to retire in the summer.
Szczesny had enjoyed a wonderful seven season spell in Turin with the Italian giants, making 252 appearances in all competitions after replacing the legendary Gianluigi Buffon as the club's number one goalkeeper. During his Juve career, the goalkeeper won three Scudetti and one Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year award.
The 34-year-old then surprisingly announced his retirement over the summer, agreeing to the termination of his deal at Juventus.
Speaking in an interview with YouTuber Luca Toselli, the ex-Poland international has shed light on his retirement, revealing that it was not a decision wanted to make:
"I wanted to continue helping the team [Juventus] this season, so what happened was up to me. I didn't expect to be left out of the project - I never would've imagined it," revealed Szczesny
"At the beginning of last season I spoke frankly with sporting director Giuntoli when we were due to discuss my renewal. I told him that, at the end of the 2024/25 season, I would have retired, but then I read the news about Di Gregorio in the newspapers.
"I thought I would've been second choice [this season] because Matia Perin wanted to go to another club.
"When they signed him [Di Gregorio] however, we discussed the termination of my contract. It was the club's decision and I did not agree with it, but I accepted it.
"I wanted another year at Juve. I felt I could still give a lot. I have no hard feelings towards Giuntoli, I still respect the club and I will continue to be a Juve fan."
The goalkeeper has since made a return to professional football, signing a contract at Barcelona as an emergency replacement for Marc-Andre ter Stegen - who is set to miss the remainder of the 2024/25 season due to an ACL injury.
Speaking to his new club's press following his move, the goalkeeper said he was his 'last chance' to play at the top level:
In life, I try not to believe in destiny. If Ter Stegens injury had occurred when the transfer window was open, I wouldnt have come here. If it had happened two weeks later, I also wouldnt have come here because it would have been too late, and I wouldnt have gotten off the couch.
This was my last chance to prepare to play at a high level. I believe it must have been written in the stars somewhere.
Szczesny could make his Barca debut this weekend during the La Liga clash with Deportivo Alaves.
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