Szczesny back at a special stadium

Life can be very strange sometimes. And Wojciech Szczęsny knows that more than anybody. It was at Westfalenstadion in Dortmund where he bowed out from professional football. On Wednesday he is going back there, but as a pro goalkeeper once again and for a Champions League quarter final of all things!

It was on 25 June 2024 when Poland played the last of their three games at Euro 24 in Germany, with his team already eliminated from the competition and playing their final fixture against France. It ended 1-1. but Szczesny played no part.

Ovation

He was still given a huge ovation from the fans as everyone knew it was the last time he'd be part of the national team. Indeed, two months later, in August 27, Tek officially announced his retirement from professional football.

Barça call

However, not long after that he received an unexpected call from FC Barcelona. With Marc-André ter Stegen injured for the rest of the season, on October 2 he agreed to come out of reirement and play for the rest of the season with the Catalan club. And what a great decision it was for everyone concerned. 22 games later, and he has not lost a single game!

And as chance would have it, Szczesny is now heading back to Dortmund. The very place where he originally said farewell to his life defending nets. No greater stage to demonstrate that his retirement decision perhaps came too early. There's plenty of life in this man yet! And Barça fans know that better than!