"Please don't do this, I lost the battle," the Barcelona star talks about his addiction

Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny opened up about his smoking problems in a lengthy interview with ESPN, and revealed that he had “lost the battle.” He urged young people not to follow in his footsteps.

Szczesny quickly became a fan favourite with Barcelona after coming out of retirement to help the Catalan club. He joined the club in October and has suffered just one defeat since.

The brilliant Pole has played for Arsenal, Roma, Juventus and Barcelona in his career and during his illustrious career he has been photographed endlessly with a cigarette in his mouth. Often in the dressing rooms of these clubs.

As for his football career, it is spotless, but he has now spoken openly about his problems with smoking and has urged young people not to follow that terrible habit.

"There are some things in the game where I believe I can be a perfect example for the young players or for my teammates. There are also some things that it's better not to follow. I'm trying to be the best version of myself and set the right example for my teammates and the kids who look up to us," Szczesny initially said of ESPN.

Szczesny: "Please don't do the same as me, don't smoke. I lost the battle when I was young, it created a very negative habit for me and I know it. I just can't kick it, you know?" pic.twitter.com/vxxNjJQt5w

- Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) April 25, 2025

He then spoke about the smoking problem that marked his career.

"On the subject of smoking, please don't follow me and don't do it. I lost the fight. When I was very young, I developed this negative habit. I know how negative it is for me and I'm just losing it. So, everyone watching this, don't do what I did."

What is unusual is that Szczesny is one of the few footballers who has spoken frankly about the subject of smoking and admitted to smoking. Although there are many other examples, no one before the Pole has deigned to admit to such a negative habit.

He revealed that "he doesn't lie because he's not a politician" and that he can only defend himself and speak honestly. /Telegraph/