Wojciech Szczesny announces shock retirement after Juventus exit | OneFootball

Former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has announced his surprise retirement from professional football at the age of 34.

Szczesny was recently released from his Juventus contract by mutual agreement. He made 35 appearances in Serie A last season and was at Euro 2024 with Poland earlier this summer, but instead of finding a new club as expected, Serie A's 2019/20 goalkeeper of the year has quit the game.

Szczesny made his retirement known with a lengthy Instagram post, explaining that while he is physically in a good place to continue, his heart is no longer in it.

"I left Warsaw, my hometown in June of 2006 to join Arsenal with one dream - to make a living out of football," he began.

"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…

Poland was at Euro 2024 earlier this summer / Mateusz Slodkowski/GettyImages

"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.

"A journey's end is a time for reflection and gratitude. There's a lot of people that I would have to thank in this spot but I will try to that personally with each one of them. But to you - the fans I owe a special thank you for being on this journey with me. For the support and criticism, for the love and hate, for being the most beautiful and romantic part of football. Without you none of this would make any sense! Thank you! Now, every story has an end but in life every ending is a new beginning.

"What this new path will bring for me only the time will tell. But if the last 18 years have taught me anything it is that nothing is impossible and believe me, I'm going to dream BIG!"