Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has responded to speculation linking his teammate Robert Lewandowski with a move to Juventus, suggesting the Polish striker should consider retirement if he wants better offers to emerge. The comments came during an interview with Eleven Sports Polonia, just days before Barcelona’s potential league-winning Clasico against Real Madrid.
Szczesny’s remarks were delivered with characteristic bluntness, referencing his own career trajectory. He alluded to initially retiring from football after leaving Juventus, only to later accept an offer from Barcelona following an injury to Marc-André ter Stegen. He implied Lewandowski might find a similar situation, with more appealing opportunities arising after a period of stepping away from the game. The goalkeeper has enjoyed a successful spell with Barcelona, winning four trophies and on the verge of a fifth.
At 36 years old, Szczesny prioritizes family wellbeing and his role at Barcelona over guaranteed playing time or financial gain. He is no longer the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for the Catalan club, but feels valued by coach Hansi Flick and believes he can still contribute valuable experience to the young squad. He has spoken positively about Flick’s ambition to deliver Champions League success to Barcelona, a feat Flick achieved previously with Bayern Munich.
Szczesny also reflected on Barcelona’s recent elimination from the Europa League and Copa del Rey at the hands of Atletico Madrid, stating that two matches proved decisive in denying the team the chance to compete for both titles. Despite these setbacks, he remains confident in the long-term competitiveness of the current Barcelona squad. Lewandowski, who joined Barcelona in 2022, has been a prolific goalscorer for the club, but his future has been the subject of speculation amid reports of potential financial difficulties at the club and Juventus’s interest in bolstering their attack.
