Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny has officially retired from professional football after an 18-year career that took him from Warsaw to North London and beyond.

The 33-year-old, who was released by Juventus earlier this summer, opted against a final payday in Saudi Arabia and instead decided to hang up his gloves.

In a heartfelt statement posted on Instagram, Szczęsny reflected on his journey, expressing gratitude for the game and its impact on his life.

“I left Warsaw, my hometown, in June 2006 to join Arsenal with one dream – to make a living out of football. Little did I know it would be the 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,” Szczęsny wrote.

Szczęsny joined Arsenal as a 16-year-old and quickly rose through the ranks to become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Making his senior debut in 2009, he was initially seen as the long-term successor to Jens Lehmann. During his time in North London, Szczęsny made 181 appearances for the Gunners and won two FA Cups, becoming a fan favourite with his commanding performances and charismatic personality.

However, his Arsenal career took a downturn in 2015 following a fallout with Arsène Wenger.

After a disappointing performance in a 2-0 loss to Southampton, where he was at fault for both goals, Szczęsny was caught smoking in the dressing room—a breach of discipline that led to Wenger dropping him for the remainder of the season.

The incident marked a turning point in his Arsenal career, with the Polish international eventually being loaned out to AS Roma for two seasons before being sold to Juventus in 2017.

Reflecting on his career’s highs and lows, Szczęsny said, “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.”

Szczęsny thrived in Italy, particularly during his time at Juventus, where he won multiple Serie A titles and became the club’s undisputed number one following Gianluigi Buffon’s departure.

His consistent performances cemented his place as one of Europe’s top goalkeepers, and he was a key part of the Polish national team, earning 84 caps.

But despite still having offers on the table, including a lucrative deal from Saudi Arabia, Szczęsny decided it was time to step away. “I gave the game 18 years of my life, every day, without excuses. Today, though 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,” he said.

In his farewell, Szczęsny also expressed his deep appreciation for the fans who supported him throughout his career: “To you—the fans—I owe a special thank you for being on this journey with me. For the support and criticism, for the love and hate, for being the most beautiful and romantic part of football. Without you, none of this would make any sense!”

Szczęsny concluded his statement with an optimistic outlook on his future: “Now, every story has an end, but in life every ending is a new beginning. What this new path will bring for me only time will tell. But if the last 18 years have taught me anything, it is that nothing is impossible and believe me, I’m going to dream BIG!”

Szczęsny’s decision to retire brings to a close a storied career that saw him compete at the highest level for both club and country.

His journey from Hale End graduate to Juventus stalwart is a testament to his resilience and skill.

Arsenal fans will always remember him as a larger-than-life character who, despite leaving under difficult circumstances, remains a part of the club’s modern history.