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Prolific goalscorer Robert Lewandowski will leave Barcelona at the end of the season, the Spanish club announced on Saturday.
The Polish striker, who will turn 38 in August, was widely expected as his contract expired.
Lewandowski joined Barcelona from Bayern in a 45 million euro ($52 million) transfer in 2022, with his new club in serious financial trouble and still reeling from the departure of Lionel Messi. Lewandowski was considered a key part of his rebuilding effort.
He went on to help Barcelona win three Spanish league titles in four seasons, including this campaign, and a Copa del Rey, while scoring an impressive 119 goals in 191 appearances.
“After four years full of challenges and hard work, it’s time to move on. I leave with the feeling that the mission is complete,” Lewandowski wrote on Instagram.
Lewandowski did not specify in his message what is next in his career. He has been linked with a move to Juventus or leagues outside of Europe.
Lewandowski lost his status as Barcelona coach Hansi Flick’s undisputed first-choice striker this season as the former Bayern boss often preferred the speed and hustle of youngster Ferran Torres.
Lamine Yamal, who played to Lewandowski’s right, praised his strike partner.
“Thank you for everything, for your goals, your leadership and for believing in me since day one,” Yamal wrote on Instagram. “I learned so much from you, on and off the field. You will always be a legend.”
Barcelona have two games left this season. He hosts Real Betis on Sunday and travels to Valencia on May 23.
Associated Press reporting.
