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The former Gunner was offered a lucrative salary to move to the Saudi Pro League but chose to retire instead
Former Juventus and Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has announced his retirement from professional football despite having lucrative offers to move to the Saudi Pro League.
The ex-Poland international was unwilling to continue his career after terminating his contract with Juventus this summer following the arrival of new coach Thiago Motta.
Szczesny stands by his principles
After a successful career which included spells at Arsenal, AS Roma, and Juventus, Szczesny confirmed his decision on Instagram with an emotional post, marking the end of an 18-year career that saw him become one of the best goalkeepers his country ever produced.
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Szczesny's future at Juventus became uncertain following the arrival of Motta’s preferred Michele Di Gregorio from Monza earlier this summer, which put his position as the club's first-choice goalkeeper in jeopardy.
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Instead of seeking a new challenge in Saudi Arabia, where he reportedly received a two-year contract offer worth €30 million, Szczesny opted to call time on his playing days after terminating his contract with the Turin giants.
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This decision aligns with Szczesny’s previous statements about not seeing a move to the Middle East as a viable move. Last summer, when asked about a possible move to Saudi Arabia to gather some money for retirement, he said, "I have no shortage of money in my life. I prefer cool challenges."
A subtle message to Osimhen and others?
Szczesny's retirement could be seen as a pointed message to players like Victor Osimhen, who are currently facing the dilemma of choosing between staying in Europe or moving to the cash-rich Saudi Pro League.
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Osimhen has been linked with a move to Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia this summer, with some fans questioning his motives for potentially leaving the glamour of European football for the riches of Saudi Arabia.
Despite the uproar that the potential move caused, others, including ex-Nigeria international Brown Ideye, have encouraged Osimhen to forego European football to earn a mouth-watering payday in Saudi Arabia.
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Szczesny's decision could be seen as a blow to the attractiveness of the Saudi Pro League, and Osimhen’s apparent rejection of Al Ahli seems to follow that trend.
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