“I understand that”
Bayern Munich’s interest in Erling Haaland (21), who ended up at Manchester City, was not the reason for Robert Lewandowski’s 45 million euro transfer to FC Barcelona. “It wasn’t a problem for me. I didn’t leave because Bayern was concerned with Haaland – I understand that,” the 33-year-old told Sport Bild. “I left because I wanted to fulfill my dream.”
Four days before the start of the season against Rayo Vallecano, LaLiga’s lack of eligibility to play stands between him and his dream. The Catalans are working flat out to register their new signings for the game and are selling their “silverware” in the form of broadcasting rights, among other things, to improve their balance sheets. This topic was not addressed in the interview.
FC Barcelona’s Lewandowski hopes: “Please don’t take the ball with Bayern”
Lewandowski sees his former club in an excellent position even without his goals. “Bayern have so many dangerous players in attacking midfield and also in attack. They can compensate for my departure, other players will score more goals,” said the Pole. Coach Julian Nagelsmann currently has homegrown Joshua Zirkzee (21), veteran Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (33) and newcomer Mathys Tel (17) in the center forward position.
Above all, top transfer Sadio Mané (30), who came from Liverpool for 32 million euros, and national player Serge Gnabry (27), he trusts “that they score a lot of goals. 20 goals are possible for both.” Lewandowski scored 50 goals for Munich alone in 2021/22.
With Lewandowski, Mané & Hummels: Most expensive Ü30 transfers in history
In general, the world footballer, whose move to Barcelona was accompanied by months of transfer theater, wished Bayern “only the best” and that they don’t meet in the group stage of the Champions League: “It doesn’t have to be in the preliminary round, it’s too early and would feel weird to me. My wish for the draw is: please don’t take the ball with Bayern.”
Advisor Pini Zahavi, who put media pressure on Bayern Munich during the transfer poker game, also spoke up: “I hope that I can continue to have a good, friendly relationship with FC Bayern in the future. I hope that I can bring them players – and not just take players away from the club.” He also did the latter in 2021 with David Alaba (30), who he transferred to Real Madrid on a free transfer.
To home page