"Three days before announcing my retirement, I even told Lewandowski that I did not want to play for any club anymore, unless it was Barcelona. When they called, they probably knew they could convince me. It is not that I had lost my passion for football, I simply was not excited by the offers."
"I played my first season in Barcelona for free. What I received from Barcelona was exactly what I had to return to Juve for terminating my contract early."
"Footballers are not allowed to gain weight. Contracts include severe financial penalties. I like to eat, and although I manage to stay within the weight limit, I broke Barcelona's body fat record. Once, Lewy [Lewandowski], making fun of me in the Polish national team dressing room, said: 'How could Szczesny have such a career with that body?'"
Wojciech Szczesny announced his retirement in August 2024 to dedicate more time to his family. Two months later he reversed the decision and signed for Barcelona to provide cover after Marc-Andre ter Stegen sustained an injury. He had told Lewandowski he only wanted to play for Barcelona and accepted because Barcelona convinced him and other offers did not excite him. He revealed he played his first season at Barcelona for free, receiving what matched the sum needed to return funds to Juventus for early contract termination. He also discussed strict weight rules, breaking Barcelona's body fat record, and dressing-room teasing.
Read at Barca Universal
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