Former Juventus Star Szczesny Gives Honest Take on Readiness to Start for Barcelona

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.

Moreover, he recently spoke to the Spanish media, noting what led to his departure from Juventus this past summer as the veteran left as a free agent from the Turin-based side.

Wojciech Szczęsny gives an honest take on whether he's ready to start

Szczęsny also noted whether he's already spoken to the other goalkeepers on the squad, and while making his remarks, the veteran shot-stopper revealed that he's not ready to start right away, considering he's been on holiday for two months and needs time to get into game shape.

"Have I spoken to Ter Stegen? Yes, I've seen him a couple of times, and he seems positive despite the terrible injury," Szczęsny told Mundo Deportivo (h/t Bianconera News). "I told him, 'I'm not here to replace you long-term but to help you.'

"Have I spoken to Peña? Yes, I made it clear to him that my priority right now is to help him because I'm not ready to play. I've been on vacation for two months and need time to get to a level where I can represent the shirt."

Szczęsny announced his retirement in August after an impressive eight-year stint with Juventus, during which he made 252 appearances and kept 103 clean sheets.

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