'My heart is not there anymore' - Szczesny retires

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Wojciech Szczesny's final competitive match was for Poland against Austria at Euro 2024 in June

Former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has retired at the age of 34.

Szczesny made 181 appearances for the Gunners after joining the club's academy as a 16-year-old in 2006.

He joined Juve in 2017 and played 252 times, winning eight major trophies, before being released at the end of last season.

The Warsaw-born player also won 84 caps for Poland, playing at four European Championships and two World Cups.

"I didn't just realise my dreams, I've arrived where my imagination wouldn't even dare to take me," Szczesny wrote on social media.

"I played the game at the highest level with the best players in history without ever feeling inferior.

"I鈥檝e 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."

Szczesny won two FA Cups and the 2014 Community Shield during his time in north London.

He also had a short loan at Brentford in 2009-10 and spent two seasons on loan at Roma before his trophy-laden spell at Juventus, which included three Serie A titles.

"I gave the game 18 years of my life, every day, without excuses," said Szczesny.

"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."