Szczęsny on smoking: "It's nobody's business and doesn't affect my game"

Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny maintains that smoking does not affect his performance.

— Fans often discuss your tobacco habit. There are a few footballers who smoke, like Buffon and Johan Cruyff. What can you say about this?

— Absolutely nothing. There are aspects of my personal life that I choose not to change, and it’s nobody’s business whether I smoke or not. I don't believe it affects me, and I work twice as hard on the pitch. Furthermore, I avoid smoking in front of children to set a good example.

Sometimes, people snap photos of me from behind trees when I'm unaware. That’s beyond my control. I try to keep it private and not display it publicly. But if anyone thinks I will change my personal habits, they should reconsider, as I am who I am.

I've lived this way my entire life, and it’s no one else's concern. I want to be judged based on my goalkeeping, rather than stories that, frankly, no one should care about, Szczęsny told Mundo Deportivo.

Previously, media outlets reported that the Polish goalkeeper smoked to relieve stress. During his time at Arsenal, Szczęsny was known for his smoking and received a hefty fine in 2015 for smoking in the dressing room.

The 34-year-old goalkeeper signed a contract with Barcelona on October 2, which is valid until June 30, 2025.