Barcelona have signed Wojciech Szczesny as a free agent after the goalkeeper reversed his decision of five weeks ago to retire and came to the team’s aid after they lost Marc-André ter Stegen to a long-term injury.

Ter Stegen underwent surgery after sustaining a rupture of the patella tendon in his right knee last month and is expected to miss the rest of the season. Iñaki Peña is expected to cover for Ter Stegen but Barça have reinforced their squad with Szczesny, who announced his retirement after terminating his contract with Juventus.

When Szczesny retired he posted on Instagram: “Today, although my body still feels ready for challenges, my heart is not there anymore. I feel that right now it is time to give all of my attention to my family.”

The 34-year-old former Poland international had one year left on his deal at Juve. He has joined Barcelona on a deal until 30 June.

Szczesny won the league and domestic cup three times each in more than 250 appearances for Juve but lost his place to the close-season recruit Michele Di Gregorio. He has also played for Arsenal, Brentford and Roma. Barcelona are top of La Liga and visit Alavés on Sunday.