Barcelona’s Lewandowski reveals early retirement plans

Barcelona star forward Robert Lewandowski has made a shock revelation about his retirement plans despite joining the Catalans from Bayern Munich just last summer. 

Lewandowski, who turns 35 years old at the start of the 2023/24 LaLiga season, has revealed that his retirement from professional football is “close” and has even hinted at ending his career with the Blaugrana. 

The Polish striker still has a contract with Barcelona until 2026 but could be forced to end his time at the club early in a move similar to former Blaugrana captain Jordi Alba, who left the club despite having one year left on his contract. 

Lewandowski revealed to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo that a possible retirement is closer than most believe, saying, “My retirement? It’s close. It’s very possible that I will finish my career in Barcelona, where my family and I feel very comfortable.”

The former Bayern Munich marksman helped Barcelona to the 2022/23 LaLiga title, finishing as the league’s top scorer with 23 goals and seven assists in 34 games as the Blaugrana claimed a first league title since the 2018/19 season. 

With the striker appearing in great physical and goalscoring form despite his advancing age, many believe that Lewandowski still has a lot to offer football before hanging his boots, especially as the Polish international has not achieved his dream of winning the Ballon d’Or with Barcelona yet. 

If Lewandowski opts for an early retirement, Barcelona will be confident in replacing the star forward after reportedly securing the services of Brazilian wunderkind Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense in a €40 million deal.