Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny reveals Robert Lewandowski's phone call was crucial to his signing
Barcelona confirmed the signature of the Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny on Wednesday afternoon, with the 34-year-old arriving on a one-year deal. Szczesny retired last month but said he highlighted how exciting the challenge is in his first comments as a Blaugrana player.
Szczesny was signed as an emergency replacement for the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen, after the German went down with a tendon tear in his knee two weekends ago. The Catalan side was able to use 80% of his salary to sign a substitute.
He explained to the club's media that he felt the closeness of the fans even in this first phase.
“It's a moment of great pride. I was honestly prepared to retire. I was happy in that situation, but being here the first two days in the city and seeing how people treated me and how important it is to them made me feel proud and part of this exciting family. Although it is a great institution and a great football club, I have a sense of family. The family is very important to me and now I have expanded it a little.”
Official: Barcelona announced the signing of goalkeeper Szczęsny, who signs a contract until June 2025. @FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/91I4jhz81s
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) October 2, 2024
Szczesny also revealed that he was a long-time international teammate Robert Lewandowski that set the business in motion.
“He was the first person who called me to examine the possibility of this happening because he was retired. At first I was not prepared for the new challenges, but I talked to my family and friends and they all told me that It would be a mistake not to accept this. Therefore, Robert played a very important role because he was the person who had the idea to convince me.”
His new stopper was at Montjuic to watch Barcelona's 5-0 win over Young Boys on Tuesday night as well.
Marc Casado enjoys life under Hansi Flick. #FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/PI9vcVgv8d
— Football España (@footballespana_) October 2, 2024
“I have always been a fan. I could see the passion of the fans, it was very nice to see the game in the stadium, the team looks interesting. This challenge is exciting for me. I faced it with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. I am ready to work hard and take on the challenges ahead this season.”
Manager Hansi Flick has said that no player can be guaranteed a starting place at Barcelona, amid much talk about whether Szczesny will take over the starting spot from Inaki Pena. The 25-year-old La Masia graduate has filled in well so far since Ter Stegen went down, but was up and down during Ter Stegen's convalescence last season.
