Wojciech Szczęsny opened up and revealed the dark side of his career, explaining that the pain—both physical and mental—was the real reason that led him to consider retirement before Barcelona convinced him to return to the pitch.

In an interview with GQ, the now 35-year-old Barcelona goalkeeper revealed that for the past 17 years, he has been living a nightmare every time he puts on his gloves. The starting point was back in 2008, when, as an Arsenal player, he suffered a severe injury in the gym, breaking both of his forearms. The metal plates that still hold his bones together cause him daily suffering.

“I Completely Lose Feeling in My Hands – I Wouldn’t Wish This on Anyone”

Szczęsny describes how during certain training sessions the pain becomes unbearable:
“At some point, I don’t feel my hands at all. I can’t even hold a water bottle. So, the coaches and I joke that the training is over because I’m ‘paralyzed’ again, but the reality is that I’m exhausted. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone,” he emphasizes.

The Polish goalkeeper explains that during periods of high intensity—such as pre-season preparation—the pain worsens, spreading from his wrist to his elbow.

Early Departure and the “Golden Offers” He Rejected

Despite receiving offers from top European clubs as well as teams in Saudi Arabia, the continuous torment led him to step away from football:
“It wasn’t that I didn’t love the game. I just wasn’t excited by the options. I didn’t want to play just for the money,” he said.

In fact, three days before announcing his departure, he had informed Robert Lewandowski that he didn’t want to play “for any team” again.

Unexpected Return to Barcelona – “I Played My First Year for Free”

However, Barcelona’s offer changed everything. Szczęsny admitted that his heart gave in:
“When Barcelona called me, they probably knew they could convince me. I played my first season for free. Whatever I earned from Barcelona, I gave back to Juventus to resolve my contract.”

Despite the pain—which now affects his back and even prevents him from playing golf—the Polish keeper has already made nine appearances this season.

“I Like Eating… and I Hold the Fat Record at Barcelona”

With humor, he admits he hasn’t always been in top physical shape:
“I love food, and although I am within weight limits… I hold the record for body fat at Barcelona!” he said laughing, revealing the teasing he gets from Lewandowski:
“How did this guy make a career with that body?” his compatriot joked.

Despite the unique path of his career, Szczęsny believes consistency has been his greatest asset:
“I was never the hardest worker, but I maintained a consistently high level for 18 years.”