(Football news) Polish striker Robert Lewandowski has publicly declared his desire to leave Bayern Munich this summer in order to seek a new challenge elsewhere. The 33 year old has been linked to FC Barcelona and currently has a year left on his contract and has scored 50 goals in 46 games for the German club and a total of 344 goals in 375 games during his 8 year spell at Bayern Munich, second only to the legendary Gerd Muller. 

Speaking on international duty with Poland, Lewandowski said “One thing is certain today, my story with Bayern is over. After everything that has happened in recent months, I cannot imagine further good cooperation. I realise a transfer will be the best solution for both sides. I trust that Bayern won't stop me, just because they can" According to various reports, Barcelona have made an offer of 32 million euros ($34.5 million) to sign the striker and Lewandowski has reportedly agreed to take a massive salary cut in order to join the Catalan club, who have still not recovered from their financial crisis. 

Earlier this month, Robert Lewandowski’s agent Pini Zahavi said while speaking to German newspaper BILD that despite the one year remaining on the striker’s contract, he will advise the club against holding onto the player for the remaining tenure. Club CEO Oliver Kahn and Director of Sports Hasan Salihamidzic had previously said that they will not be selling Lewandowski this summer and he will be forced to honour his agreement. In response to those statements, Zahavi said “He has felt disrespected by those in charge (at Bayern) for months, that's the truth. FC Bayern has not lost Lewandowski the player, but Robert the person."

Lewandowski has enjoyed an illustrious career at the German champions, winning back-to-back FIFA's best male player awards, securing every title there is to win with eight Bundesliga trophies and the Champions League in 2020. He has also been the top scorer in the league for five consecutive years and scored a staggering 41 goals in the 2021 season. 

Also read: Eden Hazard makes a special promise to Real Madrid fans