(foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Wojciech Szczesny reflects on his return from retirement to star for Barcelona in the Champions League, calling the experience "surreal" ahead of the second leg against Borussia Dortmund.
Wojciech Szczesny has described his return to football with Barcelona as “surreal” after coming out of retirement to replace the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The former Juventus captain retired in the summer of 2024 but was convinced to return to action in October following a long-term injury to Barcelona’s number one goalkeeper. On Tuesday, the 34-year-old will start a Champions League quarter-final second leg against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park.
“I like to win. I was on the beach a few months ago and I didn’t really want to play football. Now I get to play with what I believe is the best team in Europe. So it’s a little bit surreal for me,” Szczesny told reporters at a pre-match press conference.
The Polish goalkeeper was signed on a short-term deal until June 30, and while ter Stegen is closing in on a return, Szczesny made it clear he is focused only on helping the team reach the next stage.
“I’m here to replace Marc, but I want to play in this competition. I would respect the opinion if it were the other way around — we have a good relationship,” he said. “I don’t want to waste energy on contract negotiations. I focus on the present.”
Szczesny also recalled the moment Barcelona made contact with him, admitting he was surprised by the call but didn’t hesitate.
“Honestly, I was playing golf with my son. Before that moment, I had already received a signal. It was strange for me, because not many players would get that kind of opportunity in such a situation. It all felt very natural.”
With Barcelona holding a commanding 4-0 lead from the first leg, Szczesny and his teammates are strong favourites to advance to the Champions League semi-finals.