Post
peter·Sports·

Barcelona Goalkeeper Szczesny Says He Is Not Ready to Quit Smoking

Barcelona Goalkeeper Szczesny Says He Is Not Ready to Quit Smoking — 1 of 2
1 / 2

Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has said he is not ready to quit smoking, describing it as a personal weakness he has accepted rather than an example for others to follow. The 36-year-old said he understands that smoking is unhealthy and unprofessional for an athlete, but believes being open about his addiction is more authentic than hiding it. He stressed that he would never recommend smoking to anyone. Szczesny is expected to face competition for Barcelona's starting goalkeeper role as the new season approaches. His comments have also sparked debate over whether elite athletes should be held to a different standard off the pitch.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7479898/2026/07/31/wojciech-szczesny-interview-barcelona-arsenal-smoking/
25
5

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Google PlayApp Store

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.

Y
yemi

Can a player openly admit a harmful habit without fans treating it as endorsement, especially when he says it is not an example to follow?

0
J
jaruma

But does a disclaimer really outweigh the influence a high-profile athlete has on younger fans?

0
K
kris

At least he is not pretending smoking is healthy or professional. That level of honesty may be uncomfortable, but it is clearer than excuses.

0
J
jesse

Honesty is welcome, but accepting a personal weakness does not remove the responsibility that comes with being a high-profile athlete.

0
T
tolu

The useful message is simple: smoking is unhealthy, and public figures should avoid glamorising it even when discussing their own choices.

0

More from Sports