Wojciech Szczęsny, the Polish goalkeeper for Barcelona, has publicly acknowledged his smoking addiction, a habit he has had for over a decade and has no intention of quitting. The 36-year-old keeper, who played a key role in last season's campaign where Barcelona finished first in La Liga with 94 points (31 wins, 1 draw, and 6 losses), has been open about his habit, even after being fined for smoking during his time at Arsenal.
What did Szczęsny say about his addiction?
Szczęsny does not hide his smoking addiction and has been honest about it. In an interview with The Athletic, the goalkeeper admitted: 'Smoking is terrible, but it's an addiction I'm not willing to fight'. The Pole has been seen smoking on several occasions, even during the celebrations for the La Liga title in May, where he handed out cigarettes to his teammates.
How does this affect his image at Barcelona?
Despite his addiction, Szczęsny has normalized his habit within the world of sports. 'I imagine many players have certain addictions, whether it's nicotine, alcohol, or gambling. But there's a player who is quite open about it, and that's me', he declared. His honesty has resonated with fans, who have even dedicated a chant to him: 'Szczęsny the smoker'.
What did he say about his role on the team?
Szczęsny understands his image as the oldest player on the team and does not pretend to be a perfect example. 'People know I have an addiction I can't get rid of. It's a weakness of mine, I've just learned to live with it', he stated. Barcelona's next match will be against Atlético de Madrid on February 7, 2027, where they will look to maintain their 8-point lead over Real Madrid.
