Ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny announces shock retirement from football after seeing Juventus contract terminated

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has announced his retirement from football at the age of 34.

Szczesny had his Juventus contract terminated at the end of last season and has now announced his retirement from the sport. The former Poland international spent eight years at Arsenal – inclusive of loan spells with Brentford and Roma – before heading to Juve in 2017. He spent seven years in Italy and has now called time on his career, having also won 84 international caps.

The news of Szczesny’s retirement comes as a major shock given that he was in talks over a move to Saudi Arabia with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. He could potentially have earned up to £16 million ($20m) per season, but has instead opted to hang up his boots.

Szczesny wrote on Instagram: “I left Warsaw, my hometown in June of 2006 to join Arsenal with one dream – to make a living out of football. Little did I know it would be a start of a journey of a lifitime. Little did I know that I would get to play for the biggest clubs in the world and represent my country 84 times.

“Little did I know that not only would I make a living out of the game but the game would become my whole life. I didn’t just realise my dreams, I’ve arrived where my imagination wouldn’t even dare to take me.

I played the game at the highest level with the best players in history without ever feeling inferior. I’ve made friends for life, created unforgetable memories and met people who have made an incredible impact on my life. Everything that I have and everything that I am I owe to the beautiful game of football… But I also gave the game all I had. I gave the game 18 years of my life, everyday, without excuses.

“Today, though my body still feels ready for challenges, my heart is not there anymore. I feel that right now it is time to give all of my attention to my family – my amazing wife Marina and our two beautiful children Liam and Noelia. Therefore I have decided to retire from professional football. A journey’s end is a time for reflection and gratitude.

“There’s a lot of people that I would have to thank in this spot but I will try to that personally with each one of them. But to you – the fans I owe a special thank you for being on this journey with me. For the support and criticism, for the love and hate, for being the most beautiful and romantic part of football. Without you non of this would make any sense! Thank you!

“Now, every story has an end but in life every ending is a new beggining. What this new path will bring for me only the time will tell. But if the last 18 years have taught me anything it is that nothing is impossible and believe me, I’m going to dream BIG!”

Szczesny may well choose to move into management or coaching eventually but as his statement suggests, one would imagine he will take some time out of the game. Having made his debut in 2009 for the Gunners, he has been at the top of the sport for 15 years.