Ex-Arsenal 41yo announces retirement | OneFootball

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has announced his retirement from playing professional football, whilst also confirming his future career plan.

Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP

Ex-Arsenal and West Ham United goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski became a free agent this summer, following the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship and the end of his contract in east London.

Rather than signing for a new club, Fabianski has now confirmed on social media that his playing days are over.

However, the 41-year-old has no intention of ending his professioanl relationship with football, announcing his plans to work with the next generation of goalkeepers, presumably in a coaching role.

Lukasz Fabianski (GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

“Some goodbyes are harder than others. Today is one of those days,” Fabianski wrote. “After so many unforgettable years, the time has come for me to close the most beautiful chapter of my life. I have made the difficult decision to retire from football as a goalkeeper.

“For as long as I can remember, football has been my passion, my purpose, and my home. It has given me moments of pure joy, unforgettable victories, heartbreaking defeats, painful injuries, and challenges that tested me in every possible way.

“Every training session, every save, every mistake, every comeback and every match shaped not only the goalkeeper I became, but the person I am today.

“Standing between the posts taught me courage when I was afraid, humility when I succeeded, resilience when I failed, and belief when everything seemed impossible.”

Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images

“To every coach who believed in me, every teammate who fought alongside me, every club that gave me the opportunity to wear its badge with pride, every supporter who stood behind me, and most importantly, my family -thank you,” Fabianski continued.

“Thank you for believing in me even when I doubted myself. Thank you for every word of encouragement, every sacrifice, every celebration, and every difficult moment we overcame together. I could never have done this alone.

“Football has given me friendships that will last a lifetime, memories no one can ever take away, and values that will stay with me forever. But this is not goodbye. This is simply the beginning of a new journey.

“From today, my mission is to give back to the game that has given me everything. I want to inspire, develop, and support the next generation of goalkeepers, helping them believe in themselves and chase their dreams-just as I once chased mine.

“Because being a goalkeeper isn’t just a position. It’s a mindset. It’s a way of life. And it stays with you forever. Once a goalkeeper. Always a goalkeeper. Thank you, football. Thank you for everything.”

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Though Fabianski’s playing career ended with eight years at West Ham, he previously spent seven years at Arsenal as a younger goalkeeper, winning the FA Cup after saving two penalties in the semi-final shootout.

The two London clubs make up the vast majority of the keeper’s time in senior football, but he did also play for Swansea City for four years, make 62 appearances in two seasons with Legia Warsaw, and play once for the Lech Poznan first-team.

Internationally, Fabianski played for Poland from 2006 to 2021, at which point he made a tearful retirement after 57 appearances.

Though the 41-year-old’s desire to remain in football is clear, it remains to be seen where he’ll debut his coaching career.

Photo via EPA