Szczesny ‘learned more in four months than decade at Arsenal’

Rob Conlon
Wojciech Szczesny: Goalkeeper impressed by Spalletti

Wojciech Szczesny: Goalkeeper impressed by Spalletti

Wojciech Szczesny hopes to stay at Roma and says he has learned more in four months under Luciano Spalletti than he did in a decade at Arsenal.

Having spent last season on loan at Roma, Szczesny’s future next term remains unclear, with Petr Cech firmly established as first-choice at Arsenal, and the Serie A outfit expected to announce the signing of Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson in the coming weeks.

The Polish international made 44 appearances in all competitions for Roma, and the 26-year-old lauded the impact of Spalletti, who replaced Rudi Garcio as manager in January.

“If I stay at Roma, it’ll be the opportunity to grow and improve even more. If I return to Arsenal, I’ll make use of my experience,” he told Il Tempo.

“I learned more in four months under Spalletti than in 10 years in England. He puts a lot of importance on playing the ball to feet. One day we trained for over 45 minutes just on goal kicks.

“I really get on with goalkeeping coach Nanni too, as he is a great professional and I never get bored. We’ve got a strong friendship. If I have made steps forward in my career, it is thanks to him.”

Szczesny went on to add: “I consider this season very positive, I had to change mentality quickly, it was a very important opportunity for me. It was a waste of time sitting on the bench in London.”

It is not the first time this year that the stopper has put his foot in it with his parent club.

Last month Szczesny admitted he wanted Leicester to win the Premier League title ahead of the Gunners.