MADRID, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona confirmed on Wednesday the signing of 34-year-old goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny to provide cover for the injured Marc Andre Ter Stegen.

The 34-year-old Polish international, who announced his retirement earlier this year, was persuaded to return and has agreed a contract until the end of the 2024-25 season.

Speaking to the club website, Szczesny revealed his international team-mate Robert Lewandowski had been the first person to call him about returning to the game.

"He called me to look into the possibility of this happening because I had retired," said the goalkeeper.

"To begin with, I wasn't really prepared for a new challenge, but I spoke to my family and friends, and they all told me it would be a mistake not to accept this, so Robert played a big role, as he was the person who had the idea of convincing me," he explained

The former Arsenal, Roma and Juventus goalkeeper will provide competition for Inaki Pena, who has played in the two matches since Ter Stegen's injury, with only the inexperienced 20-year-old Ander Astralaga as backup.

"It's an exciting challenge for me, and I am taking it on with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. I am ready to work hard and take on the challenges of the season," explained Szczesny. Enditem

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