This has long been an open secret, but now Wojciech Szczesny has spoken openly.
The 36-year-old goalkeeper admitted that he has a smoking addiction, which he cannot get rid of even while playing at a high level – recently he has been the second goalkeeper for Barcelona.
“I never pretended to be a perfect person. It may seem unprofessional, but I am who I am. People know that I have an addiction I cannot get rid of,” said the well-known Polish goalkeeper to The Athletic.
During an interview held as the Barcelona team prepared for the new season, W. Szczesny also did not hesitate to use an electronic cigarette.
During his career, he has already been caught by photographers off the pitch with a cigarette, so his harmful habit was known to football fans.
“People remind me of it because I talk about it openly,” said W. Szczesny. “I absolutely do not advise anyone to start smoking. I think it’s terrible, everyone should avoid it. It’s one of my weaknesses, but I admit it.”
According to the Pole, “many players have addictions, whether it’s nicotine, alcohol, or gambling,” but few talk about it publicly.
The former Polish national team goalkeeper, who played 84 matches for the national team, also spoke about other matters during the interview.
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During his career, the Pole, who previously represented London’s Arsenal, Brentford, Roma, and Turin’s Juventus, also talked about his way of finding psychological balance.
“When I left Arsenal (where I played from 2009-2017), the club I supported since childhood, I found that the best way to compete at the highest level is to completely emotionally detach myself from the matches,” said the goalkeeper.
He stated that this approach allows him to avoid suffering after defeats or other difficult moments.
In August 2024, W. Szczesny had already announced the end of his career, at the time his contract with Juventus ended, but after a month he responded to Barcelona’s call.
Now the experienced goalkeeper sees himself as a mentor to the young Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
“I don’t want him to feel like he’s competing with me. I want to help him improve and give some advice during training,” said the Pole, whose contract with Barca is valid until 2027.
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