“It’s nobody's business” - Wojciech Szczesny defends his smoking habits following Barcelona move 

Barcelona keeper Wojciech Szczesny has defended his smoking habit after being criticized by the press. Some in Spain have criticized the 34-year-old as setting a bad example to young footballers and children.

The Polish shot-stopper has enjoyed a successful club career that has seen him play 548 games for Brentford, Arsenal, AS Roma, and Juventus, keeping 210 clean sheets in the process. He has also won Serie A thrice, the Italian Cup thrice and two FA Cups.

In a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo, the 84-time Polish international defended his habit, saying:

“There are things that I don’t change in my personal life and it’s nobody’s business if I smoke. I believe that it doesn’t affect what I do on the pitch, I work twice as hard. I don’t do it in front of kids because I don’t want to have a bad influence on them. Sometimes, somebody will take a photo from the trees where I have a cigarette, that’s on them, not me."

Szczesny concluded:

“If somebody thinks that I will change the way I am in my personal life they can think again because I am who I am. I’ve been this way my whole life.”

Szczesny had mutually terminated his contract with Juventus and had announced his retirement from professional football in August. However, he joined Barcelona this month following a long-term injury to Marc-Andre ter Stegen. He has yet to represent Blaugrana on the pitch.

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"I would prefer my agent to speak" - OGC Nice keeper responds to Barcelona links

OGC Nice keeper Marcin Bulka has responded to rumors linking him with a move to Barcelona. The 25-year-old keeper has impressed for the French side since he arrived initially on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before completing his move a year later in a reported €2 million deal.

Bulka has made 58 appearances for Nice since his arrival. He has kept 24 clean sheets in that time, attracting interest from the Spanish giants. Speaking with the press in a recent interview, the two-time Polish international addressed the transfer rumors, saying (via Diario Sport):

“As they say, there is a grain of truth in every rumor. When it comes to transfer matters, I would prefer my agent to speak. I am here to be fit every week and to give arguments for at least talking about clubs like this about me. It is definitely a compliment. When someone talks about these clubs it is always an extra incentive for me and a sign that I am doing something right."

"If I didn’t play well, probably no one would say that. Today, I am in Nice and I am focusing on the club because we are only at the beginning of a long season. I have to be even more focused on the here and now to prove that those who say it are right.”

The goalkeeper's contract runs until the summer of 2026 but he could prove an affordable long-term successor to the currently injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The reported Barcelona target is valued at €20 million as per Transfermarkt.