Wojciech Szczesny, Arsenal former goalkeeper, has unexpectedly announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34.
Szczesny most recently competed for Poland in the European Championship this summer after being released from his contract with Serie A powerhouse Juventus at the end of the previous campaign.
The 84-cap Poland keeper was on the verge of signing with Al Nassr of the Saudi Pro League earlier this summer, but negotiations broke down over a price.
After a 15-year career that saw him win 11 major titles in England and Italy, the 34-year-old has finally made the decision to put up his gloves.
‘I left Warsaw, my hometown in June of 2006 to join Arsenal with one dream – to make a living out of football,’ he said, announcing his decision 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, every day, 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.’
Starting his career at Polish side Legia Warsaw, Szczesny moved to Arsenal at the age of 16 in January 2006.
After a loan spell at Brentford, he forced his way into the Arsenal first team the following season, making his Premier League debut against Manchester United in December 2010.
He went on to make 181 appearances for the Gunners and helped them win the FA in successive seasons in 2014 and 2015.
But, following two seasons on loan at Roma, Szczesny joined fellow Serie A side Juventus in the summer of 2017.
‘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,’ his statement continued.
‘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 none 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 made 252 appearances for Juventus and won three Serie A titles but left the club this summer having mutually agreed to terminate his contract a year early.