Barcelona’s star striker Robert Lewandowski has candidly shared his thoughts on retirement from football, acknowledging that he is conscious of the fact that his illustrious career is nearing its conclusion “soon”.
This prolific Poland international celebrated his 36th birthday at the onset of the current season, yet he is presently on track to achieve his highest goal tally since making the significant move from Bayern Munich to the vibrant city of Catalonia in the summer of 2022.
Having already netted an impressive total of 19 goals in merely 17 appearances this season, Lewandowski’s contributions have played a pivotal role in propelling Barcelona to a formidable position, as they sit six points clear at the summit of LaLiga and occupy sixth place in the expanded Champions League standings, boasting three victories out of four matches.
However, the seasoned forward maintains a realistic outlook on the duration of his playing career, now 19 years after he first made his senior debut.
Lewandowski, who is bound by a contract with Barcelona lasting until 2026, with the option for an extension to 2027, has articulated the personal criteria that would prompt him to contemplate retirement when the time arrives.
“At my age now, I know that soon – two, three years, I don’t know exactly – it will be done, it will be finished,” Lewandowski expressed in an exclusive interview with Forbes.
“I want to say, and only me, not anyone else, when the finish will be,” he emphasized, indicating his desire to make that decision independently.
“When I wake up one day and feel I don’t want to go to the training session, that will be the first moment to start thinking about retiring,” he added thoughtfully.
Lewandowski getting better with age
Some may argue that the legendary Polish forward is actually improving with age, especially considering his stunning form this season.
With this encouraging performance, Lewandowski is determined to continue his professional journey for as long as he can. “Every morning when I’m waking up – and I hope it stays like this – I don’t feel any pain. And I still have the feeling that I love to go to the training session, to the club,” he shared optimistically.
This is undoubtedly positive news for Barcelona fans, as Lewandowski has amassed an astonishing total of 688 senior career goals for both club and country since starting his football journey as a teenager with Znik Pruszkow in the lower tiers of Polish football.
However, the course of his career could have been distinctly different had he accepted an earlier opportunity; although he has never played in England, he was on the brink of joining Blackburn Rovers back in 2010 when they were competing in the Premier League.
Unfortunately, an ash cloud resulting from an Icelandic volcano thwarted the transfer, grounding flights across Europe and preventing Lewandowski from completing the move to Ewood Park. Instead, he went on to sign with Borussia Dortmund a few weeks later, where he truly made his mark by scoring a remarkable 103 goals in 187 appearances before transferring to Bayern Munich.
Latest Barcelona news: Arsenal plotting big Camp Nou raid / City confident over Haaland stay
Arsenal is reportedly strategizing a ‘strong offensive’ to acquire Barcelona forward Raphinha, although they have been informed that he will not leave for less than £84 million, underlining his high value.
Since departing England in 2022, Raphinha has been linked with a return to the Premier League ahead of nearly every transfer window, with multiple top clubs recognizing his talent as an asset they desire in their squad.
Arsenal, in particular, has been one of the clubs most frequently connected to Raphinha over the past two years and appears undeterred in their pursuit.
In fact, reports from Fichajes suggest that the Gunners are gearing up for a decisive action to secure the attacker, who has been in scintillating form in Spain.
On another front, Manchester City is reportedly ‘confident’ that their target, Barcelona’s Erling Haaland, will commit to a new contract, which would see him earning an eye-watering £500,000 per week, making him the highest-paid player in the Premier League.
City’s aim is to persuade Haaland to reject potential overtures from other clubs, such as Real Madrid and Barcelona, by eliminating his release clause, keeping him firmly within their ranks.
While it is believed that the striker has aspirations of playing in LaLiga, the Daily Mirror reports that City is becoming ‘increasingly confident’ that the Norwegian will indeed sign a new deal with the club.
How does Robert Lewandowski maintain his impressive form at the age of 36, and what drives him to continue performing at a high level?
**Interview with Robert Lewandowski: Reflections on Career, Retirement, and Current Form**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Robert. You’ve recently shared your thoughts on retirement. Can you elaborate on how you’re feeling about the end of your playing career?
**Lewandowski:** Of course. It’s a reality I’m aware of, especially now that I’ve turned 36. I understand that my career is nearing its conclusion, maybe in two or three years, but I want to be in control of that decision. I want to decide when it’s time for me to step away, not anyone else.
**Editor:** That makes sense. You’re performing remarkably well this season, having netted 19 goals in just 17 appearances. Do you feel that age is just a number for you right now?
**Lewandowski:** Absolutely! Each morning, I wake up feeling good and without pain, which is important. I still have the passion for training and playing, and I hope it stays that way. I genuinely love coming to the club and contributing to my team.
**Editor:** Your current form is certainly a bright spot for Barcelona, who are sitting at the top of LaLiga. What motivates you to keep pushing, even with retirement looming ahead?
**Lewandowski:** The love for the game motivates me. Every goal I score gives me more power and confidence. I still want to achieve as much as I can with Barcelona and help the team succeed both in LaLiga and the Champions League.
**Editor:** Looking back, you had an almost career-altering opportunity to play in England when Blackburn Rovers sought your services back in 2010. That deal fell through due to unforeseen circumstances. How do you reflect on that moment in your career?
**Lewandowski:** It’s interesting to think about how different my life could have been. But everything happens for a reason. My path took me to Borussia Dortmund and then Bayern Munich, where I achieved so much. I don’t dwell on the past; I focus on the present and what I can achieve now.
**Editor:** As you look to the future, what personal criteria will guide you as you consider your retirement?
**Lewandowski:** The moment I wake up and don’t feel the desire to train or give my all is when I will start thinking about retirement. Until then, I’m here to enjoy every moment on the pitch and contribute to my team.
**Editor:** Thank you, Robert, for sharing your thoughts with us. It’s clear you still have a lot of passion and determination for the game!
**Lewandowski:** Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to speak. Let’s see what the future holds!