Juventus star offers update on health status after Europa League scare

Wojciech Szczesny asked to be taken off in the second half and was seen clutching his chest before leaving the stadium in tears. He was replaced by second-choice keeper, Mattia Perin.

The 32-year-old underwent urgent checks and was eventually able to speak after the game.

“It was a fright,” Szczesny told Sky Italia.

“It’s something that’s never happened to me before. I had trouble breathing so I was a bit anxious, it was a bit of a scare, but now I’m much better.

“I was a bit anxious about it but we’ve done all the checks and everything is fine.”

Despite the situation, Szczesny joked that he planned it all for Perin to get on the pitch after the Juventus number two made an important double save in the second half.

“The truth is Mattia has been doing so well in training I let him come on,” Szczesny joked.

“I was tired and so Mattia was able to make a miraculous double save. Congrats to him.”

Juventus were 1-0 winners over Sporting CP thanks to Federico Gatti’s 73rd-minute goal.

The pair meet in the second leg at the Jose Alvalade Stadium next Thursday but before then the Bianconeri are in Serie A action on Sunday when they travel to Sassuolo.

Juventus return to action on Sunday when they travel to Sassuolo.