Wojciech Szczesny Retires: Can Still Appear Competitive, But Choose Time With Family

Wojciech Szczesny officially hung up his shoes (Instagram/@wojciech.szczesny1).

JAKARTA - Wojciech Szczesny has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34.

The former goalkeepers Arsenal and Juventus provided information regarding hanging up their shoes via personal Instagram.

Szczesny started with his story out of his hometown and migrated to England. The move turned out to be right.

Starting from Arsenal, his name then became the attention of big clubs. Thanks to his slick career, Szczesny was not replaced in the Polish national team.

"I left Warsaw, my hometown in June 2006 to join Arsenal with one dream, earning a living from football."

"I didn't know that it would be the start of a lifetime journey. I didn't know that I would play for the biggest clubs in the world and represent my country 84 times."

"I don't know that I'm not just going to make a living from this game, but this game will be my whole life."

"I didn't just make my dream come true. I've arrived at a place that even my imagination doesn't dare to carry him."

"I played at the highest level with the best players in history without ever feeling inferior."

"I've made friends for a lifetime, created unforgettable memories and met people who have had a tremendous impact in my life."

"Everything I have and everything I have, I owe a beautiful game of football."

"I also give everything I have for this game. I give 18 years of my life to this game, every day, for no reason," said Wojciech Szczesny.

Furthermore, the goalkeeper who was born in Warsaw revealed the reason for choosing to retire even though he admitted that he was still ready to appear competitive.

"Today, even though my body still feels ready to face challenges, my heart is no longer there."

"I feel it's time to give my whole attention to my family, my amazing wife, Marina, and our beautiful two children, Liam and Noelia."

"Therefore, I have decided to retire from professional football," said Szczesny.

Wojciech Szczesny joined Arsenal's youth team from Leiga Warsaw in 2006 and was promoted to the senior squad just three years later.

He performed 181 times for the Gunners during his eight-year tenure.

The goalkeeper, who also had 84 appearances for the Polish national team, then signed a contract with Juventus with a transfer of 10 million pounds. He spent the remaining seven years of his career in Italy.

Szczesny became agent free earlier this month after ending his contract with Juventus.

"Now, every story has an end, but in life, every end is a new beginning."

"Only time can answer what will happen with this new path. However, if the last 18 years have taught me something, it is that nothing is impossible and believes me, I will dream big!" he said.

Even so, Szczesny has not announced the continuation of his life journey. Whether to return to football or not, it is still not clear.