Ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny explains decision to join Barcelona

Wojciech Szczesny claims it would be ‘disrespectful’ if he chose to stay retired and not join Barcelona.

The Spanish club have been forced to make an emergency signing after goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a ruptured patella tendon during the La Liga victory against Villarreal on Sunday.

Ter Stegen has undergone surgery and is now set to miss a large part of Barcelona’s campaign.

Szczesny announced his decision to retire in August but the 34-year-old is now due to arrive in Barcelona on Thursday to undergo a medical before signing a short-term deal.

Speaking with Spanish newspaper Sport, Szczesny explained why he is coming out of retirement so soon.

‘I have a lot of respect for Barca’s history, it is one of the best clubs in the world,’ Szczesny said.

‘I understand the difficult situation that has arisen for them after Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s injury and I think it would be disrespectful of me not to consider this option.’

Speaking after his side’s 1-0 win over Getafe on Wednesday evening, Barca head coach, Hansi, Flick, was asked about the arrival of Szczesny.

‘I’m only talking about the players I have,’ Flick said.

‘Inaki [Pena] is our number one goalkeeper and we’re very happy with him. That’s all I can say.

‘Inaki is 25 years old, but the other goalkeepers are very young. We need more experience and that’s why we’re talking about it. We’ve talked about it and discussed it, and we’ll have to decide.’

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