Szczesny departure still haunts Juventus president

Juventus let Wojciech Szczesny leave in summer 2024 after seven seasons in which he made 252 appearances. Szczesny joined Juventus from Arsenal in July 2017 and became one of the club’s most reliable goalkeepers. He played 252 matches across seven seasons before departing. FC Barcelona signed Szczesny in late 2024 as an emergency replacement for Marc-André ter Stegen. The 84-time Poland international had announced his retirement following Euro 2024 but reversed his decision after Barça’s approach. He played regularly in his first season at Barcelona and remained a squad player in his second, backing up Joan Garcia. Szczesny has since built a strong rapport with supporters, including his public fondness for cigars. His contract with Barcelona runs until 2027, but his departure from Juventus is still criticized in Turin. Former Juventus goalkeeper Stefano Tacconi called the move a major error. Tacconi, who played alongside Dino Zoff, Gianluigi Buffon and Angelo Peruzzi at Juventus, said he would not have let Szczesny go. He named him ahead of Emiliano Martínez and Alisson when asked who he would prefer in goal.