Wojciech Szczesny, the former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper, has stunned the football world by announcing his retirement at the age of 34.
This unexpected decision comes shortly after his contract with Juventus was terminated at the end of last season.
Szczesny, who spent seven years with Juventus and earned 84 international caps for Poland, has decided to hang up his gloves despite being in talks for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.
It was reported that Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo's club, had offered Szczesny a deal worth up to £16 million ($21.1 million) per season. However, the former Arsenal man has chosen to step away from the sport instead.
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How did Wojciech Szczesny announce his retirement?
In an emotional Instagram post, Szczesny reflected on his career, which began in Warsaw before he joined Arsenal in 2006.
"I didn't just realize my dreams," he wrote, "I've arrived where my imagination wouldn't even dare to take me." The goalkeeper expressed deep gratitude for the game, acknowledging the impact it had on his life but also noting that his heart was no longer in it.
Szczesny's decision to retire seems rooted in a desire to spend more time with his family. He mentioned his wife, Marina, and their two children, saying: "I feel that right now it is time to give all of my attention to my family."
Though his body feels ready to continue, Szczesny's focus has shifted, and he has chosen to close this chapter of his life. Fans and pundits alike are now left wondering if Szczesny will eventually return to football in a different role, perhaps in coaching or management.
For now, though, the goalkeeper is stepping away from the game that defined his life for nearly two decades.