In a recent interview with ESPN, internationally acclaimed goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny displayed rare transparency in discussing his personal struggle with smoking. The outspoken player admitted that he had lost his battle with nicotine addiction.
"Don't follow my example! I failed to overcome this habit," he said regretfully, noting that he started smoking at a very young age. Sending a clear message to the younger generation, he added: "For anyone listening: don't repeat my mistakes!"
Returning to the pitch to help out FC Barcelona following Marc-André ter Stegen's serious injury, Szczesny established himself as an iconic figure. In 25 matches played, he conceded only one defeat and recorded 13 clean sheets, earning him the nickname "Szczesny fumador" ("Smoking Szczesny") among fans.
Despite his success on the pitch, the Polish goalkeeper puts his role into perspective: "My impact is modest," he confides, as his team aims to achieve a historic treble under Hansi Flick. Szczesny prefers to keep a simple approach: "My goal is to do the essentials: stop the ball and avoid mistakes."
Asked why he wants to be so honest, he explains: "I'm not a politician. I'm a football player. It seems more natural to me to be sincere, even if certain subjects, like smoking, make me uncomfortable." He concludes by stating that he has no desire to become a negative role model for his fans.
