Former Arsenal player discloses that a transfer decision led him to retire sooner than he originally intended.

Wojciech Szczesny has disclosed that he had intended to play for an additional season, but Juventus’ transfer activities led him to end his career prematurely.

The former Arsenal goalkeeper announced his retirement last month after spending seven seasons with Juventus, although the timing of his decision was unexpected.

4

The former Poland international chose to mutually terminate his contract with the club upon realizing that he was not in new manager Thiago Motta’s plans.

The acquisition of Monza goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio dashed any hopes of a fairy-tale farewell, and Szczesny insists the premature exit was not his decision.

“These seven seasons presented me with significant challenges,” Szczesny shared in an interview with Luca Toselli’s YouTube channel.

“It’s remarkable to have had the adventure of a lifetime and experience considerable success. I still wished to contribute this year, but that was beyond my control.

“I never anticipated not being included in the project. It was something I could hardly believe. At the start of last season, I had an open discussion with [Juventus sporting director Cristiano] Giuntoli regarding a contract extension.

“We had a quick three-minute conversation. I expressed my intention to retire at the end of the 2024/25 season. Shortly thereafter, I started seeing articles about the negotiations for Di Gregorio.”

Reports indicate that Juventus’ interest in signing the promising Di Gregorio was serious.

Monza director Adriano Gallini revealed that Giuntoli had reached out regarding the goalkeeper during January and February.

“I hold Di Gregorio in high regard,” Szczesny commented. “I could envision a scenario where [Juventus’ second-choice keeper] Mattia Perin would leave, allowing Di Gregorio to take on that role.

4

4

4

“I genuinely believed I would remain at the club until the end of last season. I was aware of the news surrounding Di Gregorio, but I never expected to be excluded from the project. When Juventus finalized the deal, we discussed contract termination. Ultimately, it was the club’s choice. While I disagree, I accept it.

“I wished to play for one more season as I felt I still had much to offer, but after Juventus, I wasn’t ready for new challenges,” he added.

“Despite my disagreement with the club’s decision, I harbor no ill feelings toward Giuntoli. I respect the club; they showed respect during the transition. I will always be a Juventus fan.”

Szczesny previously spent eight years at Arsenal before joining Juventus in 2017. Over his time at the Serie A club, he played 252 matches, winning three Serie A titles and three Coppa Italia trophies.