Former Arsenal star reveals transfer decision made him retire earlier than planned
09/04/2024 12:12 PM
Wojciech Szczesny has revealed he planned to play for one more season but Juventus' transfer dealings forced him into early retirement.
The ex-Arsenal goalkeeper called time on his career last month after seven seasons in Turin but the decision to hang up his gloves came sooner than he had anticipated.
The former Poland international agreed to mutually terminate his contract with the Old Lady after realising he would not be part of new boss Thiago Motta's plans.
The signing of Monza goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio put paid to any hopes of a fairytale swansong and Szczesny claims the abrupt exit wasn't his choice.
"These seven seasons were not an easy challenge," Szczesny told Luca Toselli's YouTube channel.
"It's fantastic when you have the adventure of a lifetime and you do so well. I still wanted to help the team this year, but it didn't depend on me.
"I didn't expect not to be part of the project. I'd never imagined it. I spoke very openly to [Juventus sporting director Cristiano] Giuntoli at the beginning of last season when we were supposed to discuss a contract extension.
"We sat down in a room for three minutes. I told him I would have retired at the end of 2024/25. Then, I started reading news articles about negotiations between the club and Di Gregorio."
It has since come to light that Juventus' plans to sign the highly-rated Di Gregorio were more than a flash in the pan.
Monza director Adriano Gallini revealed that Giuntoli had made contact with him over the goalkeeper at some point between January and February.
"I respect Di Gregorio," Szczesny added. "I could imagine a scenario where [second-choice Juventus keeper] Mattia Perin wanted to go and he [Di Gregorio] would become the second-choice keeper.
"I was convinced I'd stay at the end of last season. I read news about Di Gregorio, but I didn't expect to remain out of the project. When Juventus closed the deal, we discussed contract termination. It was the club's decision. I disagree with it, but I accept it.
"I wanted to play for one more season because I felt I could still give so much, but after Juventus, I was not ready for other challenges," he added.
"Even if I disagree with the club's decision, I don't have hard feelings towards Giuntoli. I respect the club. They were respectful during the summer. I will forever be a Juventus fan."
Szczesny spent eight years at Arsenal before signing for Juventus in 2017. He played 252 times for the Serie A giants, helping them to three Serie A titles and three Coppa Italia successes.
