Wojciech Szczesny says he has enough money to snub offers from the Saudi Pro League and believes Juventus out of European competitions ‘is not the end of the world.’
The Poland international spoke to TVP ahead of Juventus’ first Serie A game of the season against Udinese on Sunday.
Juventus have been excluded from the Conference League for 2023-24 due to financial irregularities, but the ex-Arsenal keeper reckons the Bianconeri will have more time to focus on Serie A this way.
“We’ve been kicked out of European cups and I’m not going to do anything about it. I try not to fight it,” he said.
“It is what it is and now there will be more time to train properly and a little more rest, for the first time in my career. It is not the end of the world for me that we were treated the way we were treated.”
Szczesny’s contract in Turin expires in June 2025 and despite rumours linking him with leaving Juventus in the current transfer window, the 33-year-old is not considering joining another club.
“I know that I am and will be a Juventus player unless they don’t want me here,” he said.
“I am attached to this club and I respect their decisions. They want me here to defend the Juventus goal.”
Not even an offer from the Saudi Pro League would tempt Tek away from the Allianz Stadium.
“I have no shortage of money in my life. I prefer cool challenges, and defending the Juventus goal is the coolest challenge I can give myself,” he said.
His compatriot Piotr Zielinski has recently made a similar decision, rejecting an offer from the emerging Saudi league and opting to discuss a contract extension with Napoli instead.
“I don’t read much about football, but I know a few players have gone there [Saudi Arabia] and I’m not surprised,” said Szczesny.
“I understand that someone can make such a decision and it seems quite logical. I believe it is worth having other priorities than pursuing money.”
Szczesny’s former teammate Gigi Buffon has recently retired at the age of 45, but the Poland international is not planning to play as much.
“No, no. I think I don’t have much time left. I try to enjoy the moment and the fact that I am in such a place, I feel like an important figure in the club. I will try my best to bring this club back to the top.”