Wojciech Szczesny, one of the most recognized goalkeepers in European football in recent years, shared in an interview with GQ why he signed for Barcelona.
The Polish keeper previously played for Arsenal, AS Roma, and Juventus before announcing his retirement in August 2024 to dedicate more time to his family. However, two months later, he reversed his decision and signed for Barcelona to cover for the injured Marc-André ter Stegen.
Szczesny revealed that three days before announcing his retirement, he told Lewandowski he did not want to play for any club anymore except Barcelona. When Barcelona called, they likely knew how to convince him. He emphasized that he had not lost his passion for football; he was simply not excited by other offers.
He also made a surprising revelation that he played his first season at Barcelona for free, receiving exactly what he had to pay Juventus for terminating his contract early.
Szczesny spoke about his relationship with food and weight control at an elite level, saying footballers are not allowed to gain weight and contracts include severe financial penalties. He enjoys eating and, although he manages to stay within weight limits, he broke Barcelona’s body fat record.
The Polish veteran recalled how Lewandowski jokingly teased him in the Polish national team dressing room about how Szczesny could have such a career with that body.
He also spoke candidly about his childhood and his relationship with his father, former goalkeeper Maciej Szczesny. He said he was afraid of his father not because of physical punishment but because of deliberate public embarrassment, wondering why his dad behaved that way.
Finally, Szczesny dismissed the idea that his career as a goalkeeper was predetermined from childhood. He had wanted to be a striker, but coaches decided he would play between the posts.
