Veteran Goalkeeper Yet To Commit as He Is Yet To Make Decision on Stay in Barcelona.
Wojciech Szczesny has confirmed after Barcelona’d recent El Clasico win that he has received a two-year contract extension from the club. However, the veteran goalkeeper informed that he is yet to make a decision on his future at the club. The 35-year-old Polish goalkeeper joined Barca as an emergency signing in October.
He took on the job coming out of retirement after Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a serious knee injury. Taking the job under the bar, he has been a reliable presence. Coach Hansi Flick relied on him surpassing Inaki Pena as the first-choice shot-stopper and since then, he has made 29 appearances in all competitions this season.
Speaking after Barcelona’s thrilling El Clasico win, Szczesny revealed news about the offer to Canal Plus. He iterated his family’s importance in taking the second. He mentioned that while football decisions are usually his domain, this situation is different, saying:
“I’m not hiding the fact that I was offered a two-year extension, but I have to decide with my family what’s best for us. I think I owe it to my family, to my wife, to make these decisions together, so I haven’t made any yet. Most of the decisions about my home are made by my wife, and I’m not ashamed of that at all. We were determined to come here for a year to try to achieve our dreams and then return to playing golf.”
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Szczesny said he will decide in the coming weeks. As he came out of retirement to take on this role, he mentioned factoring in ‘logistical aspects of studies, moving, etc.’ before he takes any decision regarding the matter. It seems, for now, he is simply enjoying the experience in Catalonia.
Barcelona are eager to keep Szczesny at the club, even as Ter Stegen returns from injury. Their plan is to keep both ace goalkeepers in the squad. This will especially be needed considering Inaki Pena is likely to depart. However, the club is also monitoring Espanyol’s Joan Garcia.
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The arrival of Garcia could impact Szczesny’s standing in the squad. Even so, Szczesny’s impact throughout the season cannot be denied. He not only played a key role in Barcelona’s Spanish Supercup and Copa del Rey wins but also have brought them closer to this season’s La Liga title win.
His performance through Barcelona’s Champions League campaign also helped them reach the semi-final. His performance and experience are vastly valued at the club. Even so, whether he chooses to extend his stay will depend not only on sporting factors, but also personal ones.
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