SZCZESNY ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Former Arsenal and Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has announced his retirement from professional football.

He confirmed the news on Instagram and wrote: “I left Warsaw, my hometown in June of 2006 to join Arsenal with one dream – to make a living out of football.

“Little did I know it would be a start of a journey of a lifetime.

“Little did I know that I would get to play for the biggest clubs in the world and represent my country 84 times.

“Little did I know that not only would I make a living out of the game but the game would become my whole life.

“I didn’t just realise my dreams, I’ve arrived where my imagination wouldn’t even dare to take me.

“I played the game at the highest level with the best players in history without ever feeling inferior.

“I’ve made friends for life, created unforgettable memories and met people who have made an incredible impact on my life. Everything that I have and everything that I am I owe to the beautiful game of football…

“But I also gave the game all I had. I gave the game 18 years of my life, everyday, without excuses. Today, tough my body still feels ready for challenges, my heart is not there anymore.

“I feel that right now it is time to give all of my attention to my family – my amazing wife Marina and our two beautiful children Liam and Noelia.

“Therefore I have decided to retire from professional football.”