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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Polish keeper started smoking as a youngster</li><li>Has been unable to kick habit down the years</li><li>Considers himself a role model in other ways</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

<p>The Polish shot-stopper, who <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-rinses-ex-juventus-team-mate-wojciech-szczesny-goalkeeper-shock-barcelona-move/blt6247b2879a73b2a5" target="_blank">stepped out of retirement to answer an SOS call from La Liga giants Barca</a> in October 2024, admits that he has “lost the fight” when it comes to kicking a nicotine addiction.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>He has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/wojciech-szczesny-defends-smoking-habit-won-t-quit-barcelona/bltb6eb5f493d2badc1" target="_blank">never tried to hide the fact that he smokes</a>, 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.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Szczesny has been caught on camera before lighting up following notable wins, but has told <a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/44828953/barcelona-wojciech-szczesny-smoking-example " target="_blank"><em>ESPN</em></a> 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.</p><p>"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.</p><p>"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."</p>

WHAT SZCZESNY SAID

<p>Szczesny went on to say of his willingness to speak on a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/felt-heart-going-explode-arsenal-keeper-wojciech-szczesny-explains-serious-health-scare-juventus/blt410e431c2eba43bf" target="_blank">subject that others may consider to be taboo</a>: "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.</p><p>“"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.</p><p>"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."</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>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 <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/hansi-flick-wojciech-szczesny-barcelona-galatasaray-bid-goalkeeper-inaki-pena/blte359bd98d9aa724a" target="_blank">extension to his short-term contract</a> in Catalunya that is due to expire in the summer.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

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

Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has urged youngsters not to take up smoking, having faced criticism of his off-field lifestyle.

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