FC Barcelona`s goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny, has openly admitted in a recent interview that he has “lost his battle” against smoking.
Since joining Barcelona this summer, fans have given Szczesny the nickname `Szczesny fumador` (Smoker Szczesny).
The 35-year-old keeper has enjoyed a memorable season guarding Barca`s goal, marked by a remarkable U-turn from retirement that saw him back playing just days after announcing his exit from the sport.
However, despite the playful chants from his new fanbase, Szczesny has issued a caution about the risks associated with his smoking habit.
Speaking to ESPN, he stated: “In some aspects of the game, I believe I can serve as an ideal role model for young players and even my teammates.
However, there are certain things in my career that you definitely should not emulate. I fall short as an example in a few areas, but I strive to be the best version of myself and provide the right example to my teammates and the young children who watch us.
But regarding smoking, please do not follow my example and don`t start. I`ve lost the battle.
When I was quite young, I developed a habit that is very detrimental to me, and I`m aware of that. I simply can`t overcome it. So, to anyone watching: Avoid doing what I did.”
This smoking habit caused him trouble back in 2015 while he was Arsenal`s first-choice goalkeeper.
Following a 2-0 loss to Southampton in 2015, where he was deemed responsible for both goals conceded, Szczesny was reportedly caught smoking in the showers.
The Polish international received a £20,000 fine and was excluded from the squad for the subsequent match.
Reflecting on that incident previously, he commented: “At that time, I was smoking regularly, and the manager [Arsene Wenger] was fully aware.
He simply didn`t want anyone smoking in the dressing rooms, and I knew that too.
Due to the emotions of the match, I had a cigarette after the game while the team was still inside.
I went to a corner of the showers, at the far end of the dressing room where no one could see me, and lit one up.
Someone saw me, not even the manager himself, and reported it back to him. I saw him a couple of days later, he asked if it was true, and I confirmed it. He fined me, and that was the end of the matter.
He then told me, `Look, you`ll be out of the team for a little while,` but there were no major arguments or confrontations. I handled it very professionally.
I fully expected to return to the team within a few weeks, but we went on a good run, and David Ospina, who replaced me in goal, played exceptionally well during those games. He kept his spot.
This meant I had to wait and try to regain my place in the team, or attempt to convince him that I was still the club`s best goalkeeper by going out on loan. While it sounds odd, sometimes that`s the best approach.”
