Wojciech Szczęsny has long been known for smoking, despite being a professional athlete. In 2015, he was caught smoking right after a match between Arsenal and Southampton. At the time, coach Arsène Wenger dropped him from the lineup, and Szczęsny had to pay a £20,000 fine. Now, following his recent signing with FC Barcelona, the issue has been reignited in the Spanish media, forcing Szczęsny to address the controversy.
Szczęsny Angers Barcelona Legend Over Cigarettes: "He's Doing Something He Should Never Do"
The 34-year-old was recently asked about his smoking habits during an interview with Mundo Deportivo. "These are things I don’t change in my personal life, and it’s nobody’s business if I smoke. It doesn’t affect me. On the field, I work twice as hard" - he said. His words were not well received, and criticism quickly followed.
One of the harshest critics was Lobo Carrasco, who played for FC Barcelona from 1978 to 1989. Speaking on the program El Chiringuito, he made it clear that he disapproved of Szczęsny's attitude.
Szczęsny is doing something he should never do. He can’t just come out and say it’s personal. I know it’s a private matter, but it’s terrible
- Carrasco said.
Szczęsny Faces Backlash Over Smoking: Harsh Words - "Slow Suicide"
In the interview, Szczęsny clarified that he does not smoke around children to avoid setting a bad example. "I try to hide it and not show it to people" - he added. Carrasco commented on this by saying:
Thank God he doesn’t want to do it publicly. He must be aware of where he stands professionally and athletically. You need to maintain a good image, and then you can do whatever you want at home. But as long as you’re a professional, follow the rules, do everything right on the field, and you’ll be respected.
The 65-year-old former midfielder holds an extremely negative view of smoking.
For me, it’s a way - let me put it as I feel it - it’s a way of slow suicide. People who smoke don’t realize the damage they’re doing to themselves. I value life so much that I don’t intend to give smoking a single minute
- Carrasco lectured Szczęsny.
