Szczesny: Playing for money doesn't excite me; I won't change my decision to retire

Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny said in an interview with the Dzień Dobry TVN program that he originally planned to retire in 2025 and that playing for money would not excite him. At the same time, he also announced that he would not change his mind and choose to come back.

After terminating his contract with Juventus, Wojciech Szczesny became a free agent. Although he received offers from Arsenal and other teams, he had no intention of continuing his career and announced his retirement 12 days after the termination of his contract.

Regarding his decision to retire, Wojciech Szczesny explained: "I could give a long monologue, but in short, it is because I don't want to continue. I originally planned to end my career next year, when my contract with Juventus expired. However, we terminated the contract in advance. I don't want to face new challenges, move, deal with a new environment and all the logistical problems related to my family. I don't want to force myself. I am very happy with my current life. Now football is no longer a necessity for my happy life."

Szczesny admitted that many people around him didn't believe that he would retire at first, but began to understand him over time. "I told my mum first the day I announced my retirement, to avoid her finding out about it online," the goalkeeper said.

Some people wanted Szczesny to consider a comeback, including his wife Marina. "I think it's habit, Marina is used to having a husband who goes to work every morning, a routine, for many years. I guess she just thinks it's a little early now," Szczesny said.

"Even now, we've adapted to our new life, but I'm still imagining what it would be like if I went to Saudi Arabia to play football now," Szczesny continued. "We have a two-month-old daughter and Liam, who will go to school next week. I can't imagine what that would be like, and what the point would be. Of course, it would be nice to make a lot of money and achieve self-worth, but I don't think there are any projects that make me feel particularly fulfilled anymore. Playing football just for the money doesn't excite me."

Before announcing his retirement, Szczesny asked his son if he would be sad about his father's retirement. Liam said no, because it would allow his father to spend more time at home. Szczesny concluded: "Well, I knew from then on that I would not change this decision."

Reference source: Dzień Dobry TVN