Wojciech Szczęsny has completed the journey from the Arsenal youth ranks to Arsène Wenger’s first-team, but the Polish stopper has revealed how he unexpectedly earned the right to be first choice.
Szczęsny had been the number two to fellow countryman Łukasz Fabiański, but a bizarre training injury, caused by Wojciech, opened the door and left Fabiański needing surgery that could end his season. The 20-year-old explained what happened in to Sport.pl.
“I was warming Fabian up before the game with Manchester City and I took a very powerful shot. He made a beautiful save but also got an injury. I didn’t do it on purpose, I was just doing my job. I feel stupid about it. I even told him it would have been better if he didn’t save that shot.”
“I take advantage of my team mates’ misfortunes.”
The young ‘keeper has undertaken a remarkable transformation in recent months, and he admits he’s learned from the experiences.
“My example shows how everything changes dynamically in football. Three months ago I was the most frustrated keeper in the world. I didn’t play, I didn’t see any perspectives, I didn’t know if I was getting a new contract. I said that I even was thinking about leaving.”
Wojciech then went on to say he believes he’s ‘deserved’ a fresh call up to the Polish national team, but is taking it all in his stride. As for life at Arsenal, the youngster couldn’t be happier.
“I’m playing in a big club. The boss is praising me and if I don’t give him reasons, then he will not take me out from between the sticks. If we play well, keep winning and concede few goals, the manager will not take me out. Slowly I’m getting used to the fact that I will probably play against Barcelona in couple of weeks’ time in the Champions League. I’m not thinking about who I will take the shirt from, but about how to play well. “
“I’m working on my future, I want to take the chance that was gifted to me by luck as best as I can.”
Szczęsny, who broke both his arms in a freak training incident two years ago, continues his run in the team with a start against Everton tonight.