Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny opens up on career-long pain struggle

The former Arsenal goalkeeper broke both forearms in a gym accident during his spell in north London, requiring surgery and the insertion of metal plates that remain in place. 

Speaking to GQ Poland, the 35-year-old said the long-term damage continued to trouble him throughout his career.

"That was one of the reasons I ended my career. I've had enough of this suffering," Szczesny said. "There are days during training when I completely lose feeling in my hands and I can't even hold a water bottle because of the pain. Then the coaches and I joke that training is over because I'm crippled again."

He explained that the discomfort peaked during pre-season, when training loads were highest. "It's not constant pain. It's worst during the preseason, during very demanding sessions.

"During the season, it's easier because you do two sessions and then a match, so your hands rest."

Describing the sensation, Szczesny added: "It's a strange pain. It builds from the wrist to the elbow. I can't tell if it's on the inside, closer to the plate, or closer to the palm, as if everything inside my arm is trying to get out."

Despite those struggles, he came out of retirement to join Barcelona, where he helped the team win La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. He also revealed that he effectively played without pay during his first season.

"I played my first season for free," he said. "The amount I received from Barcelona was exactly what I had to pay back to Juve for ending my contract early."