Szczesny credits Barcelona veteran for transfer – ‘Was the first person to call me’

Earlier today, FC Barcelona finally announced the signing of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny as an emergency replacement for the injured captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The 34-year-old Polish shot-stopper had announced his retirement after terminating his contract at Juventus, but made a U-turn on the decision when Barcelona came calling.

And, speaking to the club media today after completing his signing, Szczesny revealed that it was his compatriot and Barcelona superstar Robert Lewandowski who made the transfer possible.

“Lewandowski was the first person to call me, asking me the possibility of this happening,” revealed the Catalans’ latest recruit.

“At first I wasn’t ready for new challenges but I spoke to my family and friends and they all told me it would be a mistake not to accept this. That’s why Robert played a very important role because he was the person who had the idea to convince me,” he added.

On signing for Barcelona, the former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper remarked: “It’s a proud moment. I was honestly prepared for retirement.

“I was happy in that situation but being here these first two days in the city and seeing how people have treated me and how important it is to them has made me feel proud and part of this exciting family.

“Although it’s a great institution and a great football club, I’ve felt the feeling of family. Family is very important to me and now I’ve extended it a little.”

It has been suggested that Szczesny could take a few weeks to be ready to play for Barcelona, having not been in action for a while now.

But the Polish veteran insisted that he was ready and raring to go, saying: “This challenge is exciting for me. I face it with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. I am ready to work hard and take on the challenges that come this season.”

Source: BarçaOne