Robert Lewandowski tells Barcelona: 'It's time to move on'... but says 'Catalonia is my place on earth'

"Poland captain Robert Lewandowski is set to make his final appearance at Camp Nou as a Barcelona player on Sunday after announcing he is leaving the club "with the mission complete" after four seasons at the Spanish champions. A day before Barca host Real Betis in their final home match of the season (20:15 BST), 2021 Ballon d'Or runner-up Lewandowski said it was "time to move on", adding that he would "never forget the love I received from the fans from my very first days"."

"Why has Lewandowski left Barcelona? The veteran is no longer a regular starter for Barca, coming as a substitute 14 times and remaining unused on four occasions of the 33 when Lewandowski has been in a Liga matchday squad this season. His 13 goals have included a hat-trick in a 4-2 win away to Celta Vigo in November and, most recently, one in a 2-1 victory at Osasuna on May 2."

"Barca boss Hansi Flick, who Lewandowski has helped win the top flight in each of his first two seasons at the club, has assessed the iconic striker's exit as "good" for his player and said his squad will "restructure". Under Flick, Lewandowski is said to have become a role model for younger stars such as 18-year-old Spain sensation Lamine Yamal, who came second in the Ballon d'Or in 2025."

Robert Lewandowski will make his final appearance at Camp Nou as a Barcelona player before leaving the club after four seasons. He said his mission is complete and that it is time to move on, while expressing gratitude for the love received from fans since his first days. He described Catalonia as his place on earth and called his stay beautiful and the most incredible chapter of his career. This season he has not been a regular starter, appearing as a substitute 14 times and remaining unused in four matchday squads. He scored 13 goals, including a hat-trick against Celta Vigo and a goal in a win at Osasuna. Negotiations with Al-Hilal and other Saudi clubs have been ongoing, with interest also reported from European and MLS teams. Hansi Flick called the exit good for Lewandowski and said Barcelona will restructure its squad, with younger players among the alternatives.

Read at 101GREATGOALS.COM