WOJCIECH SZCZESNY EXPLAINS DECISION TO SNUB ARSENAL RETURN AFTER TRANSFER TALKS

Wojciech Szczesny claims he turned his back on a stunning return to Arsenal before announcing his retirement.

The 34-year-old Polish international, who won 84 caps for his country, confirmed he has decided to hang up his gloves earlier this week following the mutual termination of his Juventus contract.

And according to Szczesny, Arsenal were at the table for his services before he snubbed a lucrative, mega-money switch to Saudi Pro League outfit Al Nassr.

He told Polish outlet Meczyki: "Sentiment kicked in and I was open to talks with Arsenal out of respect for the club. But when I started them, I knew it wasn't for me. It was all about logistics. Something very significant would have to happen for this move to happen. The Arsenal option came up before the Juventus contract was terminated. I said, 'OK, we can talk.' But two days later I said it didn't make much sense."

Mirror Football was told earlier in the summer transfer window that any deal for Szczesny would have been a 'last resort' despite their respect for their former player.

Szczesny moved to Arsenal's Hale End academy in 2006 and later went on to make 181 appearances for the first-team before eventually departing for Juve in 2017 following loan spells with Brentford and Roma, respectively.

The Gunners were forced to scramble a late loan deal for Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto over the line on transfer deadline day after Aaron Ramsdale completed a permanent transfer to Southampton.

Edu had tried to execute the signing of top target Joan Garcia from Espanyol and saw multiple bids rejected but the La Liga club were insistent that his £25m release clause must be triggered, which Arsenal were not willing to do. They are expected to revisit their interest in Garcia at a later date.

Neto, who knows Edu from the latter's time working as Brazil's general coordinator, said on his surprise switch to the Emirates: “I’m realising a dream in my life, a dream come true, and I’m really, really happy.

“I had two dreams as a kid to play for a football team. It was my team in Brazil, where I grew up and became a professional footballer, and also Arsenal. And now I’m realising it! I’m a really lucky person.

“To all the supporters of Arsenal, I’d just like to say I’m one more fan here. My dream has come true, I’m really happy. Depend on me as I’ll give more than 100 per cent to give everything for Arsenal.”

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2024-08-31T10:11:21Z dg43tfdfdgfd