BARCELONA goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has openly admitted that he has “lost his battle” with smoking.
Since joining Barcelona this summer, Szczesny has been given the nickname `Szczesny fumador` (smoker Szczesny) by the fans.
The 35-year-old goalkeeper has enjoyed a memorable season for Barca, making a remarkable return to the pitch just days after announcing his retirement.
However, despite the humorous chants from his new supporters, Szczesny used the opportunity to caution others about the dangers of his smoking habit.
Speaking to ESPN, he commented: "There are aspects of the game where I believe I can be a good role model for young players or, for that matter, for my teammates.
"And there are things in my career that you definitely shouldn`t emulate. In some areas, I fail at [being an example], but I strive to be the best version of myself and set the right example for my teammates, for the young children who watch us.
"But regarding smoking, please do not follow my path and don`t do it. I`ve lost the fight.
"When I was very young, I developed a habit that is very detrimental to me, and I know it. I simply can`t overcome it. So for anyone watching: Don`t do what I did."
His smoking habit previously caused controversy in 2015 when he was Arsenal`s number one goalkeeper.
Szczesny was reportedly caught smoking in the showers following a 2-0 defeat to Southampton, a game where he was deemed responsible for both goals conceded.
The Polish international was fined £20,000 and dropped from the team for their next match.
Recalling the incident, he said: "At that time, I was smoking regularly, and the boss [Arsene Wenger] was well aware of it.
"He simply didn`t want anyone smoking in the dressing rooms, and I knew that too.
"Due to the emotions of the game, I had a cigarette after the match while the team was still in there.
"I went to the corner of the showers, which was at the opposite end of the dressing room where nobody could see me, and I lit one up.
"Somebody saw me, not even the boss himself, and reported it back to him. I saw him a couple of days later, he asked me if it was true, and I confirmed it. He fined me, and that was the end of that.
"He then said, `Look, you`ll be out of the team for a little while,` but there were no major arguments or confrontations. I handled it very professionally.
"I fully expected to be back in the team within a few weeks, but we went on a good run of form, and David Ospina, who came into goal, played really well in those games. He stayed in the team.
"That meant I was waiting and trying to regain my place, or attempting to convince him that I was still the best goalkeeper at the club by going out on loan. That sounds strange, but sometimes it`s the best approach."
Marcus Bellamy