Barcelona's Wojciech Szczęsny reveals key reason for leaving Juventus this past summer

Former Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny came out of retirement to join FC Barcelona after the team was left needing a goalkeeper due to an injury to their starting keeper, Marc-André ter Stegen.

Szczęsny has signed a short-term contract with the Catalans that will run until June 30, 2025. During his time with Barcelona, the veteran goalkeeper is set to earn around €3 million gross, according to SPORT.

Robert Lewandowski noted that it was only Barcelona or bust that would get him to come out of retirement.

"Before leaving Juventus and retiring, he told me that he would only keep playing if Barcelona reached out to him," Lewandowski said. "During his time off, he’s regained his freshness, and he’ll only need about two weeks of training to get back in shape. He seems calm and relaxed.

"I’m confident he’ll make a great contribution to the team. When a new player joins, it’s important for them to get familiar with the club’s environment. The same applies to Wojciech, but with his experience and outlook on life, I’m sure he’ll adapt quickly."

Wojciech Szczęsny reflects on his Juventus tenure

As Szczęsny begins this new chapter of his career with Barcelona for at least this season, the veteran shot-stopper reflects on his time with the Turin-based side.

Moreover, the Poland native notes why he left as a free agent and didn't continue his career with the Serie A side before opting to retire and then unretire when Barcelona came looking for him.

"It was a privilege to represent Juventus, an incredible club with an amazing fanbase," Szczęsny told Mundo Deportivo and Sport (h/t Bianconera News)

"In Turin, they told me I was too expensive given their financial struggles, so out of respect for the club, we worked out a solution. I could have stayed and collected my salary for the year, but I value personal relationships, and Juventus always showed me great respect."

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