Wojciech Szczesny announced his retirement earlier this summer, a few weeks after being released by Juventus. However, this wasn’t how he had envisioned things unfolding, as he revealed to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“These seven seasons have been a tough personal challenge. When you get an opportunity like this and succeed, it’s an incredible feeling. I wanted to help the team this year too, but the decision wasn’t mine. I never expected, nor could I have imagined, not being part of the project anymore.”
Szczesny was hoping to stay for one more season at Juventus.
“At the beginning of last season, I had a straightforward conversation with Cristiano Giuntoli about my extension. We spoke for just three minutes. I told him I planned to retire in 2025. Later, I started seeing reports about Michele Di Gregorio. I respect him, and I thought maybe he’d come in as a backup if Mattia Perin left. I was certain I’d continue in Turin.”
Despite his disappointment, Szczesny parted ways with Juventus on good terms.
“When they signed my replacement, we began discussing a contract termination. It was the club’s decision, one I didn’t agree with but accepted. I felt I still had a lot to offer. However, I wasn’t prepared for new challenges after leaving Juventus. I have no hard feelings toward Giuntoli. I respect the management, and they respect me. I’ll always be a fan. I don’t like farewells, but maybe I’ll have one last game with the national team. We’re considering if I could say goodbye to the fans at the Stadium.”