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Robert Lewandowski reveals career plans amid uncertain Barcelona future
Robert Lewandowski has expressed his intention to continue playing for Barcelona at Camp Nou until the end of his contract in 2026, according to Spanish media reports.
The seasoned striker made the decision to depart Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022 after enjoying a successful eight-year tenure with the Bavarian club, during which he amassed numerous trophies. He then signed a four-year contract with Barcelona, with the Catalan club agreeing to pay up to €50 million for the then-33-year-old’s services.
Lewandowski made an immediate impact at Barcelona, winning the Pichichi Trophy in his debut season by scoring the most goals in La Liga (23). However, the current season has presented challenges for both him and the team, as Barcelona has struggled to find consistency on the field.
Despite the team’s difficulties, Lewandowski has managed to score nine goals in La Liga and 14 goals in all competitions. Barcelona’s inconsistent form has led to Xavi announcing his intention to step down as manager, while the arrival of Vitor Roque has added competition for Lewandowski’s position. The young Brazilian has made an exciting start, netting a couple of goals in his first seven appearances.
Speculation has arisen regarding Lewandowski’s future at Barcelona, but in an interview with Spanish publication Sport, he emphasized his desire to continue playing at Camp Nou. However, due to ongoing renovations at the iconic stadium, it is unlikely to be ready for action until the 2025/26 season.
“It is one of the objectives, to play again at Camp Nou,” Lewandowski confirmed. “It’s a magical stadium, a magical field, and yes, of course, we have to wait ten months I think. In the new season, almost at the end of the year, we will be on the field and we will be able to play with all our people and with that atmosphere.
“I feel very good in the city, my family too, very happy and happy. I am happy in the club, but also in everything else.”
Lewandowski added that he understood Xavi’s decision to walk away from the club he regarded as a legend at, less than nine months after delivering Barca’s 27th La Liga title.
“If you are a player or coach of Barcelona you have a lot of pressure, it is normal,” he said. “The moment is very difficult, not only for the players, but also for Xavi. I understand what this means for him: he is from Barca, a former player, now a coach… From an emotional point of view it is very difficult for Xavi and I understand him perfectly.
“Not just for him, but for his family too. Now the best thing is that we focus on this season because we can still win with Xavi. Not just matches. I’m one hundred percent focused on it. Not in what will happen at the end of the season. Now it’s not time to talk about this, the priority is this season.”
The 35-year-old also refused to rule Barcelona out of the title race, concluding: “Lots of things can happen. Now we have less than six points on Girona and eight on Madrid, but we have many games. Real Madrid too and can lose many points, but the first thing is for us to play much better and win every game.
“If this happens, we will have a chance in the League. We also have the Champions League, which is very important for the team and for the future. I think anything is still possible this season.”