A Barcelona first-team player has turned down an opportunity to rejoin his national team, opting instead to concentrate entirely on his club duties with the Catalan giants.
According to the Spanish newspaper Marca, Wojciech Szczęsny has decided not to make a return to international football despite his outstanding performances for Barcelona, which had previously led to speculation about his possible comeback.
The Polish goalkeeper, who was recently brought out of retirement by Barcelona, has made it clear that his priority remains with the club.
Barcelona is currently working on securing Szczęsny’s future by offering him a new contract that would extend his stay until June 2026. His impressive form under German coach Hansi Flick has cemented his place as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper, making him a crucial part of the squad.
Meanwhile, the Polish Football Association has released the national team’s squad list for the upcoming international break, which includes matches against Lithuania and Malta on March 21 and 24. While Szczęsny is notably absent, his Barcelona teammate and compatriot, Robert Lewandowski, has been included in the selection.
Szczęsny initially announced his retirement from international football last summer following Poland’s participation in the European Championship.
Over his international career, he earned 84 caps, becoming a key figure for his country. However, despite recent efforts by national team coach Pröppers to convince him to return, Szczęsny has remained firm in his decision to step away from international duty.
His move to Barcelona came unexpectedly after the summer transfer window closed. The club signed him as an emergency replacement for Marc-André ter Stegen, who suffered a long-term injury that will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Since arriving, Szczęsny has quickly established himself as a reliable presence between the posts, contributing significantly to Barcelona’s defensive stability.
His decision to turn down the national team call-up has taken many by surprise, including Barcelona’s head coach Hansi Flick. However, his commitment to the club has been well received by fans and management alike, as he continues to play a key role in their domestic and European campaigns.
By prioritizing Barcelona over international duty, Szczęsny is ensuring he remains focused on maintaining his form and helping the club achieve its goals for the season. His decision underscores his dedication to the Catalan side, even as Poland prepares for important international fixtures without him.
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