VIDEO: Wojciech Szczesny Gets Emotional Discussing Arsenal During Unveiling as Juventus Player
Wojciech Szczesny came close to tears when discussing Arsenal at his unveiling as a Juventus player on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper has completed his move to the Bianconeri for €12.2m having impressed in the Serie A with Roma during a two-season loan.
The Poland international is expected to deputise for Gigi Buffon in his first season, but has been signed with a view to becoming the eventual replacement for the legendary Italian.
AS Roma's Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szcesny gestures during the Italian Serie A football match Chievo vs AS Roma at the Marcantonio Bentegodi stadium in Verona on May 20, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / MIGUEL MEDINA (Photo credit should read MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty Images)
MIGUEL MEDINA/GettyImages
Despite his form for Roma, there was no place in the Arsenal squad for Szczesny following the completion of his loan.
And asked if he had any regrets from his time with the North London club, Szczesny struggled to contain his emotions.
“It’s a difficult question," he said. "I spent 11 years…” He then apologised and asked for a moment to regain his composure.
[youtube:https://youtu.be/yiaQqmFtzq0]
Turning his attention towards the prospect of playing for the Serie A champions, Szczesny told Juventus' official website: “I believe in myself and I am ready for this challenge. I wanted to take a step up in my career and Juventus is the biggest step I could take.
“I saw [Massimiliano] Allegri this morning, I saw him for 15 seconds because I was training in the gym. I am not 20 anymore, I am 27 and I want to win trophies. This club only want to win, that’s the mentality of this club and that’s why [I was pushed to leave Arsenal and Roma].”
He added: "I’ve been waiting to come here for a long time, so I’m delighted. I feel lucky because I’m not the kind of person that feels pressure. I think I’m capable of playing at the highest level, so I’m not worried. I’m ready to play whenever I’m needed. I’m available."
