In a candid interview with ESPN, Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny opened up about his smoking habits, hoping to deter young athletes from following in his footsteps. Known for his impressive performances on the pitch since returning to Barcelona after a brief retirement, Szczesny is also infamous for his smoking, a habit that has earned him the nickname "Szczesny Fumador" among fans.
At 34, Szczesny has guarded the goalposts for some of the world's most prestigious clubs, including Arsenal, Juventus, and now Barcelona. However, he is acutely aware of the negative influence his smoking could have on younger players. "I think there are parts of my career that shouldn't be emulated," he admitted during the interview. "In several ways, I haven't been the perfect role model. I always strive to be my best self and show the right example to my teammates and young players watching the games, but regarding smoking, please don’t emulate me. Don't smoke. I lost the battle against it. I picked up this really negative habit when I was young, and I know it's detrimental. Just don't do what I did," Szczesny urged.
His battle with smoking isn't just theoretical. Szczesny has faced real consequences for his habit. He recalled a particularly embarrassing moment during his time at Arsenal when he was caught smoking in the locker room by manager Arsène Wenger. "I was excited after a match, and even though the team was still there, I went to smoke in the shower room after a loss to Southampton on January 1, 2015. Wenger found out and said, 'Okay, you will be away from the team for a while.' It wasn't a huge confrontation, but it was a wake-up call for me," Szczesny explained.
Despite the setbacks, Szczesny's career has seen a resurgence since joining Barcelona. After an unexpected return to professional football, he quickly became a key player for the team, showcasing his skills and helping to secure victories. "I think luck played a big part in my return. I joined the team when they started winning, and the way the team plays makes my job much easier. Everyone is committed to defending, trying to stop every shot and win every tackle, which allows me to focus on my role without added pressure," he said, reflecting on his current form.
Szczesny's humility shines through as he acknowledges the contributions of his teammates. "I can't take much credit for our success. The team is playing fantastic soccer and scoring goals. I just try not to mess it up for them. I feel fortunate to be part of a winning team again," he remarked.
While Szczesny is open about his struggles with smoking, he emphasizes the importance of honesty in his life and career. "I'm not a politician. I'm just a goalkeeper. My job is to catch and kick the ball. It's much easier to be open and honest so that I don't contradict previous interviews. If I'm asked, I'll answer as honestly as possible, even if it's a topic I’d rather avoid," he stated.
With his wealth of experience and a clear understanding of the pitfalls of fame, Szczesny hopes to guide the next generation of players. His message is clear: avoid the mistakes he made. "I want young players to learn from my experiences and not go down the same path I did. I know firsthand how smoking can negatively impact your career and health," he concluded.
As he continues to shine on the field, Szczesny's story serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiring comeback narrative. His journey from a troubled young player to a seasoned professional highlights the complexities of life as an athlete, where personal choices can have significant repercussions.
