Wojciech Szczesny was persuaded to come back out of retirement and be part of Barcelona following a name with fellow Pole Robert Lewandowski.
Goalkeeper Szczesny this morning signed a short-term contract at Barca that can see him by means of till the tip of the season.
The 34-year-old has not performed for the reason that European Championship in the summertime and introduced his retirement from all soccer in August, however will don the gloves once more after being requested to come back in as cowl for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who ruptured a tendon in his knee and will miss the remainder of the season.
Requested how the transfer took place, Szczesny advised El Mundo Deportivo: “He [Lewandowski] was the primary one who referred to as me to take a look at the opportunity of this occurring as a result of I used to be retired.
“At first I used to be not ready for brand new challenges so I talked to my household and mates and everybody advised me that it might be a mistake to not settle for this. That’s why Robert performed a vital function as a result of he was the one that had the concept to persuade me.”
🧤 FC Barcelona and Wojciech Szczęsny have reached an settlement for the goalkeeper to hitch the Membership!
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 2, 2024
‘A second of big satisfaction’
Szczesny watched Barca’s 5-0 Champions League win over Younger Boys final evening – a recreation by which in-form Lewandowski scored twice – and admitted he was thrilled to be becoming a member of the Catalan giants.
The previous Arsenal, Roma and Juventus stopper, who received 84 caps for Poland, added: “It’s a second of big satisfaction. Truthfully, I used to be ready for retirement. I used to be pleased in that scenario however being right here these first two days within the metropolis and seeing how folks have handled me and the way vital it’s to them has made me really feel proud and a part of this thrilling household.
“Though it’s a nice establishment and a fantastic soccer membership, I’ve felt the sensation of household. Household is essential to me and now I’ve prolonged it somewhat.”
Szczesny will compete with Ter Stegen’s back-up Iñaki Peña for the primary shirt.