“I gave the game all I had”: Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny announces retirement

Wojciech Szczesny has sent the football community into shock by announcing his retirement from professional football. The 34-year-old had been subject to several transfer rumours over the summer following his departure from Juventus. Eventually, Szczesny opted to hang up his boots over choosing to prolong his playing career.

The former Arsenal goalkeeper took to his social media to let the world know of his decision. “I gave the game all I had. I gave the game 18 years, my heart is not there anymore. I feel right now it is time to give all of my attention to my family”. The call does come as a surprise to football fans who were expecting the Poland international to move to the Saudi club, Al Nassr. Szczesny first burst onto the global scene with his tremendous displays for Arsenal from 2009-2017.

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More recently, the shot-stopper became a crucial and reliable part of the Juventus squad. His name will be etched into the history books as one of the most underrated and underappreciated players of his generation. Wojciech Szczesny made 84 appearances for the Poland National Team and was a regular campaigner in major international tournaments.

Fans acknowledge and pay tributes to Wojciech Szczesny’s career

Szczesny was renowned for his reflexes and shot-stopping. Being over 6′ 5″ tall, the Pole often benefitted in difficult situations due to his long reach. He was not the best with the ball at his feet and rarely tried challenging passes to avoid errors at the back. Arsenal fans were sent down memory lane with the goalkeeper’s retirement and appreciated him on social media.

Juventus supporters recognised Szczesny’s efforts for the club in the past seasons and were also grateful to him for stepping aside at the dawn of a new era to let the new generation take over. “Every story has an end but in life every ending is a new beginning“, were the words of the former Poland keeper on his retirement post, hinting at his plans beyond football.