Robert Lewandowski will play his final match at the Camp Nou on Sunday after confirming his departure from Barcelona this season. During a training session this week, Lewandowski, 37, gave a moving address to his teammates and the backroom staff, emphasising that he has enjoyed being a member of the club and this Barcelona group.
In a social media post on Saturday, he said that “the mission is complete”, confirming the news. The Poland striker will play his farewell home game for Barcelona against Real Betis on Sunday, although it is yet unknown where he will go next. Hansi Flick, the head coach, said on Saturday that he will start that game.
Lewandowski is currently in the last year of his Barcelona contract, and according to a September article in The Athletic, it was anticipated that he would depart the team the following summer. “It’s time to move on after four years full of challenges and hard work,” he wrote in an Instagram post. “I feel like the task is over when I depart. Three (La Liga) titles in four seasons.
Robert Lewandowski to leave Barcelona at end of season
Lewandowski’s departure eliminates Barcelona’s main source of goals in previous years and ends his position as the team’s attacking focal point. As part of a larger strategy to revitalise the team, reports suggest the club has been looking into younger striker possibilities. It will be challenging to match his reliability in front of goal and his ability to mentor young players like Lamine Yamal, so replacing him will be a top priority during the next transfer window.
Lewandowski will start his last home game against Real Betis, according to coach Hansi Flick, who called him “a fantastic human, but also a world-class player”. ” Lamine Yamal and other teammates congratulated him for his leadership, objectives, and support right after. “Came as a star” was the tribute used by Barcelona’s official outlets to commemorate his departure. “Leaves as a legend”, highlighting his influence on the team.
Lewandowski’s potential destinations are Saudi Arabian teams, Juventus, and the MLS team Chicago Fire.
To make him a household name in the league, the Chicago Fire are apparently contemplating an offer worth up to €20 million a year. The striker is reportedly interested in a prominent position in Major League Soccer, like Lionel Messi’s entrance at Inter Miami, although he has not yet confirmed his future move.
