Robert Lewandowski has declared his time at Bayern Munich “over” and said he does not believe the club will hold him against his will.
The attacker wants to join Barcelona After reaching a verbal agreement on a three-year contract, Bayern insisted he should stay for the final season of his deal.
Lewandowski, in a press conference with Poland before Wednesday’s Nations League match at home to Wales, said: “My term at Bayern is over. I don’t see any possibility to continue playing for this club.”
The 33-year-old has been at Bayern Munich since 2014 and hopes they will show flexibility in terms of the transfer. “Bayern are a serious team and I think they won’t keep me – I don’t want to play there anymore,” he said. “Transfer is the best solution. I hope they won’t stop me.”
Two weeks ago, Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer was adamant there was no room for maneuver. “Robert has a contract until 2023. That’s how long he will play with us,” Hainer told German TV channel Sport 1.
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Heiner noted that Lewandowski joined Bayern for free after the expiration of his contract with Borussia Dortmund, and said that the club is ready to lose him for nothing within a year.
“There is no substitute for this world class player,” Hainer said. “He has a contract, so I suppose he fulfills it. He has the right not to extend his contract.”
Lewandowski has scored 35 goals in 34 matches this season and 13 goals in 10 Champions League matches.
Corentin Tolisso has left Bayern without a deal after not reaching an agreement on a new contract for the 27-year-old French midfielder.