Barcelonas Wojciech Szczesny says fans smoking chant reflects his openness

Wojciech Szczesny says he is not prepared to fight his smoking addiction, despite describing the habit as “terrible” and advising others to avoid it.

The Barcelona goalkeeper has become a popular figure among the club’s supporters since joining them, with his outspoken personality and relaxed manner helping him win over fans away from his performances on the pitch.

For the first time in his career, Szczesny has been given his own chant by supporters. The song refers to him as “Szczesny the smoker” – a gesture he says he enjoys, even though it highlights his dependence on nicotine.

Speaking to The Athletic in an interview whose comments were published by Sport, the Poland international said smoking was a personal “weakness” that he had accepted rather than chosen to confront.

“I have never had my own chant before, so I am enjoying it. It may not seem like the most professional thing in the world, but I am who I am. People know that I have an addiction I cannot get rid of,” Szczesny said.

The 34-year-old added that supporters may respond to his honesty because many footballers and people in wider society deal with different forms of addiction, including nicotine, alcohol and gambling.

“I think this also seems real to them, because a lot of players have different types of addictions, whether nicotine, alcohol or gambling. But I am open about it. It is an addiction I am not even ready to fight. I accept it, and perhaps that is what makes it seem real to people,” he said.

Szczesny also stressed that the public’s understanding of his smoking does not come only from photographs taken by paparazzi. He said the issue became widely known because he had spoken openly about it himself.

“People do not think I smoke just because of pictures taken by paparazzi. I have admitted my addiction, and it is an addiction that many people around the world suffer from. Perhaps people can see themselves in this story,” he said.

The goalkeeper was clear that his comments should not be interpreted as encouragement to take up smoking. Instead, he described the habit as a personal failing with which he has learned to live.

“I never think about encouraging people to smoke. I think it is terrible, and everyone should avoid it. It is one of my weaknesses, but I am at peace with this weakness,” Szczesny said.

His comments underline the candid public image that has helped him connect with Barcelona supporters. While the chant celebrates an aspect of his personality that he openly acknowledges, Szczesny insists he does not regard smoking as positive or something others should copy.