Arsene Wenger had to make many big decisions during his time at Arsenal.
The legendary Frenchman was at the helm for over two decades, and he is the most successful manager in the history of the club.
Over the course of his career at Arsenal, Wenger was often hailed for his man-management skills. Many players saw him as a father figure because of how well he treated them.
However, one player had a bone to pick with him recently – Wojciech Szczesny.
Arsene Wenger admits he regrets selling Wojciech Szczesny at Arsenal
Arsenal signed Szczesny from Legia Warsaw when he was still a teenager.
The Pole came through the academy sides and even spent a spell on loan before breaking into the Gunners’ first team.
Szczesny went on to become the number one at Arsenal and played 181 times for the club under Arsene Wenger.
However, an incident after a defeat to Southampton on New Year’s Day in 2015 changed everything.
Szczesny had a poor game in goal, and to make things worse, he was caught smoking in the showers after the defeat. He was fined £20,000 for that. (Guardian)
That was the beginning of the end for the Pole at Arsenal. He was sent out on loan twice to AS Roma, and Wenger then sold him to Juventus for £10 million in 2017 (BBC).
In an interview on Amazon Prime Video Polska, Szczesny asked Wenger if the smoking incident was the reason why he never gave him another chance at Arsenal.
The Frenchman replied: “Southampton played a big part in my mind. (What happened on) The outside. Maybe I had the feeling that you were too comfortable, and that reinforced my feeling.”
Szczesny then claimed: “I agree with the boss that I was probably too comfortable at the time, but I felt that the two years at Roma were enough. And I felt that it was a mistake on your part as well.”
Wenger said: “Yeah, I made many mistakes, and I regret every one.”
A delighted Szczesny replied: “Yes! He admitted it!”
Wojciech Szczesny achieved great success after leaving Arsenal
It really was a shame to see Arsenal sell Szczesny in 2017.
A lot can be said about his flaws on and off the pitch, but what nobody can deny is the love he had for the club.
After joining Juventus, Szczesny won three Serie A titles, three Coppa Italias and two Supercoppa Italianas.
The Pole then announced his retirement in the summer of 2024, which was a surprise, but he came out of it to join Barcelona just a few months later.
At Camp Nou, Szczesny helped Barca to win La Liga and the Copa del Rey last season.
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