'I created a very negative habit' - Wojciech Szczesny urges young people not to take up smoking amid controversies over Barcelona goalkeeper's lifestyle

The Polish shot-stopper, who stepped out of retirement to answer an SOS call from La Liga giants Barca in October 2024, admits that he has “lost the fight” when it comes to kicking a nicotine addiction.

He has never tried to hide the fact that he smokes, with the ex-Arsenal and Juventus star owning the decisions he has made in a professional and personal capacity - even if some of those could be considered questionable.

Szczesny has been caught on camera before lighting up following notable wins, but has told ESPN of efforts to ensure that he does not glamorise smoking in any way: "There are some parts of the game where I believe I can be a perfect example for young people or, in fact, for my team-mates.

"And there are some things in my career that you better not follow. In a few aspects, I fail at [being an example], but I try to be the best version of myself, and I try to give the correct example to my team-mates, to young kids who watch us.

"But mentioning the subject of smoking, please do not follow me and don't do it. I've lost the fight. When I was very young, I created a habit that is very negative for me, and I know it is. I just lose against it. So for anybody watching: Don't do what I did."

Szczesny went on to say of his willingness to speak on a subject that others may consider to be taboo: "Because I'm not a politician. Maybe that's why. I'm just a goalkeeper. I have to catch a ball and kick it. It's much, much easier to keep up with your previous interviews if you're just honest and you never lie and you're just open.

“"ou ask me a question, I answer the question as honestly as I can. You know, there are things I would rather not talk about. The subject that we mentioned, I would rather not talk about it.

"But if somebody asks me, yeah [I smoke]. But I would rather not have the question asked because I don't want to be a bad example."

At 35 years of age, and with 25 appearances being taken in for Barcelona this season, there have been suggestions that Szczesny will be offered an extension to his short-term contract in Catalunya that is due to expire in the summer.