August 27.
That was when goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny announced his decision to retire from soccer. This came 13 days after the Polish international and Juventus agreed to mutually terminate his contract. Once the Italian giants found their replacement in Serie A’s Best Goalkeeper winner, Michele Di Gregorio, Szczęsny’s services were no longer needed.
Less than two months later, Szczęsny returned to the “Beautiful Game” when FC Barcelona made the call for his return. After long-time starting goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen suffered a serious knee injury in a La Liga match against Villarreal on September 22, the Catalan side was looking for options. With Iñaki Peña displaying some inconsistencies between the posts throughout his time at Barça, it was an easy decision to sign the veteran goalkeeper, even if he had not played the sport in some time.
Initially taking on a backup in order to get adjusted, Szczęsny took the reins at the start of the new year and has not looked back. Since his time at Barça, the 34-year-old has put in some impeccable performances that have helped the club reach the top spot of La Liga at the moment. In addition, he was able to add silverware to his cabinet after the Blaugrana were able to secure a 5-2 victory at the hands of fierce rivals Real Madrid at the Supercopa de España in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (even though he was sent off in the final).
However, his most impressive showcase during his short tenure at Barça was in their most recent match in the UEFA Champions League. Playing away from home at Benfica in the first leg of the Round of 16, the Catalan side had their backs against the wall after centerback Pau Cubarsí was sent off in the 22nd minute due to a DOGSO offense. Down to 10 men in front of an electric crowd at Estádio da Luz, it would take a miracle to draw, much less to win. Then came Szczęsny.
Making eight saves in the match, Szczęsny put in a performance. In fact, it was a for any goalkeeper at this legendary club without conceding a goal in a Champions League match. His heroics were recognized across the globe, from fans to pundits who were mesmerized by the outing.
The decision by Barça to bring in Szczęsny has been a win-win situation for all parties involved. For the Polish goalkeeper, who is set to turn 35 in April, it gave him the chance at rejuvenation after being shown the door at The Old Lady. Meanwhile, after losing a goalkeeper of ter Stegen’s quality, most clubs are not able to replicate their success. However, the Catalan side was able to strike gold with this signing as they aim for the quadruple.
While Szczęsny may be headed towards the finish line once again after this campaign, fans across the globe have to celebrate what he has done in his return.