Lewandowski says goodbye to Barcelona with a tribute to the club he has played for in recent years: “The most incredible chapter of his career“
It has long been uncertain whether the Polish goal machine would get an extension with Barcelona with a lower salary and a role as a “mentor” for the younger players while he steps in as a kind of super reserve. That will clearly not be the case.
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Now it’s official. Robert Lewandowski is leaving Barcelona. After four seasons, the Polish goal machine is retiring – and he does it with his heart on his sleeve.
It was the striker himself who sent out the news via social media, after he recently secured his second Spanish championship with the club.
“I leave with the feeling that the mission is complete
In a post that has already gone viral, Lewandowski writes:
“After four years full of challenges and hard work, the time has come to move on. Four seasons. Three championships. I will never forget the love I received from the fans from my first days here. Catalonia is my place in the world.”
And then there are the words that make even the most die-hard Barca fans move:
“This has been the most incredible chapter of my career,” he says.
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Seven trophies and 119 goals later
Lewandowski came to Barcelona as a winner from Bayern Munich – where he won everything, including the Champions League. Nevertheless, the 37-year-old believes that his time in Barcelona surpasses everything.
In total, there were seven trophies: three league championships, one Copa del Rey and three Super Cups. In 190 games, he scored 119 goals and facilitated 22 others.
The numbers alone do not tell the whole story. He gave Barcelona dignity, a sense of goal and a will to win that had been lacking since Messi left the club.
Thanks to Laporta – and goodbye to Catalonia
Lewandowski takes the opportunity to thank President Joan Laporta in particular:
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to live the most incredible chapter of my career. Barça is back where it belongs. Visca el Barça. Visca Catalunya.
What now? Saudi Arabia, MLS – or lower division?
The big question is, of course: What does a 37-year-old super striker do when Poland is not going to play in the World Cup?
Lewandowski throws out his arms and says honestly:
“I can play in a lower division and just enjoy life.
That means, we think, that it is not relevant with Manchester United. – You have to be reasonably arrigant to call the Premier League a lower division.
But the rumor mill is already in high gear. Al Hilal is supposedly ready to go to “madness” to secure the Pole – with a contract so obscene that few people will believe it before they see it.
MLS and Saudi Arabia are mentioned as the most likely destinations. No matter where he ends up: one thing is certain. Robert Lewandowski is not done scoring goals. He’s just done doing it in the blaugrana.
