FC Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has admitted he has failed to overcome his battle with smoking.
The Polish shot-stopper opened up about his tobacco addiction and urged young people to steer clear of the habit. The former Juventus player confessed that he has not been able to quit, but he hopes to discourage others from making the same mistake.
Speaking to ESPN, the former Arsenal goalkeeper revealed that he started smoking at a very young age and has been unable to stop since. “There are certain aspects of the game where I believe I can be a perfect role model for young people or even for my teammates. And there are things in my career that are best avoided. In some respects, I’m not a good example, but I try to give my best and set the right example for my teammates and for the youth watching us,” he said, as reported by Goal.
“But when it comes to smoking, don’t follow me and don’t do it. I lost that battle. I picked up a very bad habit at a very young age, and I know it’s harmful. I’m simply a loser in that fight. So to everyone watching me: don’t do as I did,” he advised.
Szczesny joined Barcelona in October 2024 after Marc-André ter Stegen suffered a knee injury in September. The Polish goalkeeper is expected to leave the Catalan club at the end of the season.