Wojciech Szczesny admits he was rooting for Leicester City to win the Premier League…but only when it became apparent Arsenal were out of the title race and neighbours Sp*rs were still in it.
The Pole, who has spent the season on loan at Serie A side Roma, also revealed he’s been in constant contact with his Gunners teammates throughout the season, rooting for them from the Italian capital whenever possible.
Speaking to FourFourTwo in that uniquely matter-of-fact way of his, Szczesny also praised the Foxes’ achievement describing their season as a ‘one in a million’ campaign.
“I said that [he was supporting Claudio Ranieri’s side] with Leicester being top of the table with five games to go and a 10 point advantage over Arsenal, so my club didn’t have a chance at the time.
“And of course – I’d rather see Leicester winning the title than Tottenham. Do I have to explain that? Of course, I had my fingers crossed for the Gunners every time they went out on the pitch. I was very nervous in front of TV supporting them!
“But if they couldn’t win it at the end… I mean – Leicester is such a fabulous story. It’s a ‘one in a million,’ it could possibly never happen. It’s like a fairytale. And you know the most beautiful thing about it? They deserved it. They played great football for the entire season.
They’ve had three fantastic players who came out of nowhere with (N’Golo) Kante, (Riyadh) Mahrez and (Jamie) Vardy. I envy them, but applaud them at the same time.”
Like many Gooners, Szczesny also feels like this season represented a perfect opportunity to end a 12-year title drought.
“I felt like this was the season for Arsenal to win it, but we’ve drawn too many games which we should’ve won. Losing against Swansea at home was a tough blow. There is quality within the team – we’ve had some of the best players in the league in their positions.”
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Szczesny. The 26-year-old recently took to social media to dismiss suggestions that he’s pushing for a permanent switch to the Stadio Olimpico, however, he remains open to the possibility of another year on loan in Rome.
“I didn’t mean it as a permanent transfer, but another one-year loan – sure,” he explained. “That would be probably the best option for both sides.
“I’m not sure if that’s what the clubs are discussing at the moment, but it makes perfect sense. I definitely like to be on the pitch every week, have that continuity of games played throughout the season. Roma is a good fit for me.”
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You can read the full FourFourTwo interview, in which Szczesny discusses his improvement, eagerness to retain the Arsenal number 1 shirt and Poland’s chances in Euro 2016, here.
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well, here I am
Good lad. Crazy but goalies need some of that. And he loves Arsenal.
Hope he improves, comes back and takes over from Cech in time.
And Roma not doing so badly in a comfortable 3rd, no losses in the last 10 leagues games, may end up 2nd even. 7 clean sheets, average of 1 goal conceded a game.
So looks like he is doing fine.
The Italian Arsenal?
Comfortably third? Positively Arsenalesque… If only I was being ironic. COYG
No. I think we knew what you meant Woj.
Top guy, Woj. Wish him only the best, whether at Arsenal or elsewhere.
No different opinion from other gunners lovers but who knows what the gaffer has in his hat….#magical
Well he was hardly going to cheer on the spuds was he pmsl
I think another loan spell at Roma–an excellent club–would be perfect. He’ll come back more mature, composed, and with the experience that defenders like to put their trust in.
There is really nothing to explain, everyone apart from Spurs fans was rooting for Leicester that night.
Woj is just being honest and media just loves to twist comments and make up stories out of nowhere. Glad he has had a decent season at Roma.
at 26 still in infant years regarding goalies the more first team football he gets the better for AFC i still think he has a future at Arsenal, if Ospina decides he wants 1st team footie he may be off which would then be 2 options if wenger brings back martinez then he will remain on loan for another year and he’s days under Wenger may be done, but when wenger leaves next year (ha ha as if) another manager may bring him back
They say if wenger takes over at leicester for the two remaining fixtures they would finish fourth
That’s made me laugh.
I remember Montpellier winning the French league against the mighty oil-funded PSG. What happened to their players now? Well Giroud is at Arsenal. As a sub. The others didn’t make it to the next level. So I wouldn’t buy too much into the hype surrounding Leicester players.
Ungracious cunt