Robert Lewandowski has confirmed he will not play for Bayern Munich again. The Polish striker publicly voiced his opinion regarding his future as links continue to grow between him and FC Barcelona.
The 33-year-old has issued a public statement claiming that he does not want to continue playing for the Bavarians, his home for the last eight years. The striker, his representatives, and the club are involved in a public spat, the latest stage of which took place in the media conference ahead of Poland’s UEFA Nations League fixtures against Wales, Belgium, and the Netherlands, in which the forward claimed that his Bayern career is over.
He added further that a transfer is the best outcome for all concerned. Barca are strongly linked with a summer move for the forward, whose deal at Bayern expires in 2023. A transfer fee of 32 million euros is touted.
“My era at Bayern is over. I don’t see any possibility to continue playing for this club,” he said. “Bayern’s a serious club and I believe they won’t keep me – I don’t want to play there any more. A transfer is the best solution. I hope they don’t stop me.”
Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn expressed his displeasure at Lewandowski’s comments – and his method of choice for delivering them. The former Germany international struck down the forward’s attempt at seeking a move away publicly, claiming that statements as such are redundant.
“I can’t tell you why Robert chose this path. Public statements like that don’t get you anywhere. I think he should know what he has at Bayern,”
the ex-Bayern goalkeeper reiterated.
Lewandowski’s agent Pini Zahavi had addressed his client’s situation earlier this month.
The representative claimed that the sudden change in the striker’s stance is not due to financial reasons. Instead, he feels disrespected by the club.
“He has felt disrespected by those in charge for months, that’s the truth. FC Bayern has not lost Lewandowski the player, but Robert the person,”
Zahavi claimed.
The Polish forward signed for Bayern from rivals Borussia Dortmund in 2014 – before he went on to score 344 goals for the club in 375 appearances.
