Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny says he was scared after being forced off with ‘breathing issues’ during his side’s Europa League tie against Sporting CP on Thursday evening.
The 32-year-old left the pitch in tears shortly before half time and was seen clutching his chest as he was surrounded by his concerned Juventus teammates.
Szczesny was treated by medical staff on the side of the pitch and was eventually replaced by Mattia Perin.
‘I am fine, I was a little anxious, but we did all the tests and everything is fine,’ Szczesny told Sky Sport Italia after the game
‘I was scared, it had never happened to me before, I was struggling to breathe and it really worried me.’
Szczesny then went on to make light of the situation with Perin, who was standing alongside him during the interview.
‘The truth is, I saw Mattia in great shape in training, I felt tired and knew he would make a great double save in the 94th minute,’ Szczesny said with a smile.
‘No, they fired it straight at him! I congratulated him, he is also a guy with a heart of gold, we get along well.
‘It’s a shame Carlo [Pinsoglio] didn’t come on, he would’ve had a hat-trick of great saves today.’
Following Szczesny’s substitution, Juventus went on to seal a 1-0 win over Sporting with Federico Gatti’s goal in the 73rd minute.
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