Ex-Arsenal Legend Makes Surprising U-Turn on Retirement, Now Eyeing Move to Barcelona

Wojciech Szczesny has shocked everyone by announcing his decision to come out of retirement and sign for Barcelona.

The former Arsenal goalkeeper confirmed his playing days were over less than a month ago in order to spend more time with his family.

Szczesny, however, has had his head turned by the Catalan giants who will have to cope without their injured first choice keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen for the rest of the season.

The 32-year-old Germany international picked up a knee ligament injury during Barcelona’s 5-1 win at Villarreal in LaLiga on Sunday and underwent surgery earlier this week.

Ter Stegen fell badly after jumping for a ball just before halftime and was visibly in pain as he was carried off the pitch on a stretcher.

All of his weight fell on his right leg as he injured the same knee on which he had already undergone two surgeries in recent years, and another surgery could prove season-ending, Spanish media had earlier reported.

‘Tests carried out on the first team player Marc ter Stegen confirm that he has a complete rupture of the patella tendon in his right knee,’ Barcelona said in a statement.

Barcelona have moved quickly to resolve what could potentially have been a major problem and talks between club officials and Szczesny are underway.

‘Yes, I’m now in talks and considering a Barcelona move,’ the 34-year-old told Sport. ‘It’d be disrespectful if I didn’t consider this option for my career.

‘Barca is one of the best clubs in the world.’

Szczesny was released from his contract with Serie A giants Juventus at the end of last season and most recently played for Poland at this summer’s European Championship.

Announcing his retirement just a matter of weeks ago on Instagram, he wrote: ‘I left Warsaw, my hometown in June of 2006 to join Arsenal with one dream – to make a living out of football,’ he said, announcing his decision on Instagram.

‘Little did I know it would be a start of a journey of a lifetime. Little did I know that I would get to play for the biggest clubs in the world and represent my country 84 times. Little did I know that not only would I make a living out of the game but the game would become my whole life.

‘I didn’t just realise my dreams, I’ve arrived where my imagination wouldn’t even dare to take me. I played the game at the highest level with the best players in history without ever feeling inferior. I’ve made friends for life, created unforgettable memories and met people who have made an incredible impact on my life.

‘Everything that I have and everything that I am I owe to the beautiful game of football…

‘But I also gave the game all I had. I gave the game 18 years of my life, every day, without excuses. Today, tough my body still feels ready for challenges, my heart is not there anymore. I feel that right now it is time to give all of my attention to my family – my amazing wife Marina and our two beautiful children Liam and Noelia. Therefore, I have decided to retire from professional football.’