Former Arsenal star reveals decision to join club made him retire earlier than planned
Wojciech Szczesny revealed he was planning to play for one more season, but Juventus' transfer arrangements forced him into early retirement.
The former Arsenal goalkeeper decided to call time on his career last month after seven seasons in Turin, but the decision to hang up his gloves came sooner than he expected.
The former Poland international has mutually agreed to terminate his contract with the Vecchia Signora after realising he would not be part of new boss Thiago Motta's plans.
The signing of Monza goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio has dashed any hopes of a fairytale ending and Szczesny says the abrupt exit was not his choice.
“These seven seasons were not an easy challenge,” Szczesny said. Luca Toselli YouTube Channel.
“It's great when you have the adventure of a lifetime and it goes so well. I wanted to help the team this year, but it wasn't up to me.
“I didn’t expect not to be part of the project. I never imagined it. I spoke very openly with (Juventus sporting director Cristiano) Giuntoli at the beginning of last season when we were supposed to discuss a contract extension.
“We sat in a room for three minutes. I told him I would retire at the end of the 2024/25 season. Afterwards, I started reading articles about the 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 wishful thinking.
Monza director Adriano Gallini revealed that Giuntoli had been in contact with him about the goalkeeper at some point between January and February.
“I respect Di Gregorio,” Szczesny added. “I imagine a scenario where (the second player) Juventus Goalkeeper Mattia Perin wanted to leave and he (Di Gregorio) would become the substitute goalkeeper.
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“I was convinced that I would stay at the end of last season. I read news about Di Gregorio, but I didn’t expect to be left out of the project. When Juventus closed the deal, we talked about terminating the contract. It was a decision of the club. I don’t agree with it, but I accept it.
“I wanted to play one more season because I felt I could still give a lot, but after Juventus, I wasn't ready for other challenges,” he added.
“Even though I don’t agree with the club’s decision, I don’t hold any grudge against Giuntoli. I respect the club. They were respectful during the summer. I will always be a Juventus fan.”
Szczesny spent eight years at Arsenal before joining Juventus in 2017. He played 252 times for the Serie A giants, helping them to three Serie A titles and three Coppa Italia successes.
