“I have a lot of money in my life. I prefer fun challenges and defending Juventus’ goal is the best challenge I can give myself.” These were the words of Wojciech Szczesny, a year ago, when asked about the possibility of going to Saudi Arabia. “I have said many times that as long as Juventus wants me, I will stay there. I do not take into account the rumours. I know that I am and will be a Juventus player. Unless they want me. I am tied to this club, I respect their decisions. They want me here to defend the goal of Juventus”.
This was in August 2023. What happened next is known to all: a year later, Juve decided to terminate the contractpaying almost all of this season’s €6.5 million salary. Szczesny then decided to say goodbye to football, with a lap of honor no later than three days ago, on the occasion of the match between Juventus and Napoli. “I still feel at home, the message hasn’t yet reached my brain that I’m no longer a footballer. Here they are all my friends, I get a bit stressed before going on the pitch because before I did it for something else. Being the centre of attention is not like me, but it’s a wonderful feeling. They are doing very well both in the league and the Champions League, I watch all the games. I’m the number one fan”.
Here, two clues make a proof? Szczesny likes challenges more than money. Then, secondly, that “the message to my brain that I’m no longer a footballer hasn’t arrived. Taking over from ter Stegen at Barcelona would be a huge challenge even for someone who has so many appearances for Juventus and Arsenal. Considering Barça’s finances, the fact that it is not a question of money would be an even plus.