After four successful years, FC Barcelona and Robert Lewandowski are parting ways. Coach Hansi Flick believes it is the right decision.
It had been in the works for weeks and months, and as of Saturday, all parties have certainty. Robert Lewandowski will leave FC Barcelona at the end of the season after four successful years. The Polish striker won the Spanish league title three times and the Copa del Rey once with the Catalans; only the Champions League trophy eluded him during his time at Barcelona.
“Came as a star. Leaves as a legend,” the club wrote in its farewell message. There is clearly consensus on the decision among the newly crowned Spanish champions. On Saturday, his coach and mentor Hansi Flick paid tribute to the striker at the press conference ahead of Sunday evening’s home match against Real Betis.
“The conversation went well. He spoke with the team and said his goodbyes,” Flick shared a glimpse into the locker room: “It was a great time. I told him that I’ve won every title with him. There were nine in total. It was a privilege to have worked with him; he’s a great professional. He’s a role model; he takes care of himself, which is why he plays at this level.”
Lewandowski wants to do “something new” again
But now, Flick said, the time has come for Lewandowski to do “something new.” Potential suitors are reportedly lining up. “He wants to move on—that’s good for him and for the club,” Flick clarified, adding: “He’s a great person and a great player.”
At 37, Lewandowski will certainly make room for a younger successor. “We have time to compensate for his departure,” Flick clarified, noting that he wants to make a well-considered decision: “We’ll look around the transfer market.” But they surely already have some ideas in mind in Barcelona.
Before that, the priority is to give Lewandowski one last chance to shine on the big stage. “He deserves a proper send-off,” Flick emphasized, announcing with regard to Sunday’s home game against Betis: “He’ll be in the starting lineup; he’s earned it.”