WARSAW ( Associated Press) — Robert Lewandowski’s time at Bayern Munich appears to be over.
The Polish striker, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona, said at his national team’s training camp on Monday that a transfer would be the best outcome for all parties involved.
“As of today, it is certain that my story with Bayern Munich is over and I cannot imagine further cooperation with the club after what has happened in recent months. I think the transfer will be the best for both parties,” said Lewandowski, whose contract with the Bavarian club extends for one more season.
His comments on what has happened in recent months may have alluded to conflicting statements about a proposal from Bayern for a contract extension. The club said Lewandowski turned down his offer and the player’s agent, Pini Zahavi, said there was no such offer.
Lewandowski added: “I am aware that a transfer will be the best solution for both parties. “I think Bayern won’t stop me (forcibly) just because they have the chance.”
Lewandowski spoke in Warsaw ahead of Poland’s Nations League match against Wales.
Sitting next to the player, Poland coach Czeslaw Michniewicz said: “It seems today that Bayern will take advantage of this contract year and Robert will have to stay. The sooner the matter is resolved the better for Robert because he will be clear-headed and focused.
“I am sure that a new push in the form of a challenge from the league and the environment will have a positive effect on Robert, who will be able to pursue his dreams.”
The 33-year-old striker previously told Polish broadcaster Eleven Sports that it would be “difficult to know if I will still play for Bayern next season.”
Lewandowski’s agent, Pini Zahavi, and Barcelona have reportedly verbally agreed to a three-year deal, but Bayern have remained adamant that the player is not for sale.
Lewandowski’s remarks, the strongest to date, were not well received in Munich, where Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić and chief executive Oliver Kahn have maintained the player will honor his contract.
“I can’t tell you why Robert chose that path,” Kahn told Sport1 television in response to Lewandowski’s latest remarks. “Statements of this type do not pay for anyone. Robert was world footballer of the year twice in a row here. I think he should think about what he has at Bayern.”
Lewandowski has scored 312 goals in 384 Bundesliga games for Bayern and fellow Borussia Dortmund.
He scored 35 goals in 34 league appearances last season to become the Bundesliga’s top scorer for the fifth successive campaign and the seventh overall.
Lewandowski broke the old Bundesliga record for goals in a season with 41 last year.
