Wojciech Szczesny reveals he wanted to play one more season for Juventus and retire at the end of 2024-25: ‘I disagree with the club’s decision, but I accept it.’
Former Juventus goalkeeper Szczesny confirmed his retirement this past August, weeks after his contract with the Bianconeri was terminated.
The ex-Arsenal and Roma keeper had spent seven years at the Allianz Stadium, but he was not part of Thiago Motta’s plans, especially after the signing of Michele Di Gregorio from Monza.
“These seven seasons were not an easy challenge. It’s fantastic when you have the adventure of a lifetime and you do so well. I still wanted to help the team this year, but it didn’t depend on me,” the 34-year-old told Luca Toselli on YouTube, as quoted by Gazzetta.
“I didn’t expect not to be part of the project. I’d never imagined it. I spoke very openly to Giuntoli at the beginning of last season when we were supposed to discuss a contract extension. We sat down in a room for three minutes. I told him I would have retired at the end of 2024-25. Then, I started reading news articles about negotiations between the club and Di Gregorio.”
Szczesny disagrees with ‘Juventus’ decision’ that led to his retirement
Monza director Adriano Gallini recently revealed that Cristiano Giuntoli had called him between January and February to say Juventus wanted to sign Di Gregorio.
“I respect Di Gregorio. I could imagine a scenario where Mattia Perin wanted to go and he [Di Gregorio] would become the second-choice keeper,” continued Szczesny.
Szczesny kept his promise about Saudi Arabia with retirement decision
“I was convinced I’d stay at the end of last season. I read news about Di Gregorio, but I didn’t expect to remain out of the project. When Juventus closed the deal, we discussed contract termination. It was the club’s decision. I disagree with it, but I accept it.
“I wanted to play for one more season because I felt I could still give so much, but after Juventus, I was not ready for other challenges,” he added.
“Even if I disagree with the club’s decision, I don’t have hard feelings towards Giuntoli. I respect the club. They were respectful during the summer. I will forever be a Juventus fan.”
Szczesny may play a farewell game for his national team, Poland, and visit the Allianz Stadium again to wave goodbye to Juventus fans.
“I don’t like farewells. I am talking to the national team to see if I can play one last game,” he said.
“I also hope to say goodbye to Juventus fans at the Stadium. We are evaluating this.”
Szczesny joined Juventus from Arsenal in 2017 and played 252 games in Turin, winning three Serie A titles and three Coppa Italia.
What did he expect? It’s Rubentus, they always get rid lf their players even their icon like Alessandro Del Piero like trash.
Del Piero was 38 when he left. You slow in the head or something
Our goal was in the extremely safe hands of yours, for 7 years, you deserved a better, more respectful goodbye. Hope we can at least make up a bit for it at your last visit to the Allianz Stadium.
Omar, think what you think BUT DONT EVER BRING DEL PIERO into it you fool.. F age, Del Piero, Pirlo, Chelleini, Buffon, Bonnonci, Nedved. the list goes on.. Fino alle fino
Scezney deserved to be treated in a more respectful way after his silver service given to the Club. He is a true gentleman being loyal to this club after being treated in this way.