Former Gunner confirms he held talks over summer comeback

Before his ultimate decision to retire, Wojciech Szczesny has confirmed he did hold talks about a potential return to Arsenal.

Earlier this week, former Gunner Wojciech Szczesny decided to bring an end to his professional playing career by announcing his retirement.

The move ended speculation about a possible return to Arsenal for the goalkeeper, with the Poland international having been released by Juventus and Mikel Arteta on the lookout for a backup to first-choice goalkeeper David Raya.

Before the summer even began, there had been links with a surprise return to north London for Szczesny, and the 34-year-old admits he did hold talks over the move. But he ultimately decided against it.

“I was open to talks with Arsenal because of the respect and sentiment for the club,” Szczesny confirmed. “But when I started talking, I knew it wasn’t for me.

“The Arsenal option came up before the Juventus contract was terminated. I said: “OK, we can talk”. But two days later I said it didn’t make much sense.”

Szczesny admitted in his retirement post that though his body was ready to keep playing his “heart is not there anymore”. You’d need to feel that emotional drive if you were going to compete for the number-one spot at Arsenal.

Realistically, winning that spot would have been a difficult task. Raya has already seen off competition from one of the league’s top goalkeepers in Aaron Ramsdale, and he likely would have kept his spot ahead of Szczesny too.

In the end, it was probably better for Arsenal and Szczesny to draw a line under their story, though he’ll hopefully continue to support the team at home and in the stands from time to time.