Sczcesny says he "feels good" after tearful Juventus substitution sparks fears

13 April 2023 , 20:16

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Wojciech Szczesny was forced out of Thursday night's game

Juventus have confirmed Wojciech Szczesny is "doing well" after the goalkeeper completed an electrocardiogram (ECG) on Thursday night.

Szczesny, 32, had left the pitch in tears and holding his chest during the first leg of Juventus' Europa League quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon.

The alarming incident happened shortly before half-time, when the former Arsenal stopper went down clutching his chest and waved frantically at the Juventus bench for medical attention. The injury did not appear to be caused by contact with another player.

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri substituted Szczesny moments later, with the Poland international coming off in the 44th minute. Szczesny, who was replaced by Mattia Perin, was in tears as he made his way down the tunnel at the Allianz Stadium.

Juventus have confirmed Szczesny is "doing well" after an initial check. According to Sky in Italy, the goalkeeper immediately went for an electrocardiogram - a test that checks the heart's rhythm and electrical activity. It is believed the test showed no irregularity.

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"After an initial check, Tek is doing well," tweeted Juventus, who will provide more information on Szczesny's condition in due course.

Szczesny has also provided an update to reporters. He said, "I was worried, I was not able to breathe but now I feel good. The tests confirmed that there’s no problem."

Wojciech Szczesny was in tears as he left the pitch

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The whole of the Allianz Stadium applauded Szczesny as he made his way off the pitch, with other fans showing their support on social media. "Forca, Szczesny," tweeted Sporting immediately after he was forced out of Thursday night's game.

Szczesny is fondly remembered by Arsenal fans after his long spell at the Emirates. The stopper came through the club's Hale End academy before making a name for himself at Brentford during the 2009/10 campaign, when the Bees were in League One.

After impressing at Brentford, Szczesny was given a chance by then Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. He quickly established himself as the club's first-choice goalkeeper - winning the FA Cup twice - before losing his spot to David Ospina during the 2014/15 term.

Szczesny joined Roma on loan during the summer of 2015 and went on to make 81 appearances for the Italian giants. The goalkeeper's form at Roma persuaded Juventus to sign him on a permanent basis in July 2017 as Gianluigi Buffon's long-term successor.

Szczesny has since played more than 200 games for Juventus and won seven trophies, including three Serie A titles. He was named as Serie A's Goalkeeper of the Year for the 2019/20 campaign, six years after winning the Premier League's Golden Glove.

Szczesny paid tribute to Arsenal on leaving the club permanently. He wrote on Instagram: "Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get a chance to play for the club I supported as a little kid... I may not be an Arsenal player no more but I will carry the Arsenal name with me wherever I go and I will do so with great pride. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner!"

Tom Blow