Revealed: Ex-Arsenal star REJECTED summer return

Robin Bairner

• 2 Sept 2024 07:30 BST
• 5 min read

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has explained why he turned down the opportunity to become understudy to David Raya at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners sold Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton late in the transfer window to create a void behind the Spaniard on the bench.

While Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia was the preferred option to arrive at the club, Szczesny, who was a free agent but has now announced his decision to retire, was also considered.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals

“Sentiment kicked in, and I was open to talks with Arsenal out of respect for the club,” Szczesny told Meczyki on YouTube. “But I knew it wasn’t for me. It was all about logistics. Something very significant would have to happen for this move to happen.

“I didn’t start talks with anyone, not even with Mikel. I could have made a phone call and reached an agreement. The Arsenal option came up before I terminated my contract with Juventus.

“I said: ‘OK, we can talk.’ But, two days, later I said it didn’t make much sense.”

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Szczesny retirement announcement

Szczesny announced his retirement from professional football via his Instagram post last week.

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

“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…”