Former Juventus keeper Wojciech Szczesny announced his retirement weeks after terminating his contract with the Bianconeri.
Polish goalkeeper Szczesny has announced his retirement at 34.
The ex-Bianconeri star took to social media on Wednesday to confirm his decision, which some Italian media had anticipated over the last few weeks.
“I left Warsaw, my hometown in June of 2006 to join Arsenal with one dream – to make a living out of football,” the 34-year-old wrote on Instagram.
“Little did I know it would be a start of a journey of a lifetime. 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 unforgettable 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, tough 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 beginning. 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 played for Juventus and Roma in Serie A, making 272 appearances in Italy’s top flight.
He moved to Turin on a permanent €18m transfer from Arsenal in 2017 after a two-year loan spell at the Stadio Olimpico.
Szczesny was first Gigi Buffon’s backup and then permanently replaced the Italian legend from the 2018-19 campaign when Buffon joined PSG.
Szczesny has won eight trophies at the Allianz Stadium, including three Serie A titles.
He started the 2024-25 campaign with a year left in his contract with Juventus, but he terminated the deal by mutual agreement on August 14, 2024, just two weeks before confirming his retirement from professional football.
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