Robert Lewandowski “fully identifies” with Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski admits he feels settled in Bavaria and has no plans to leave the club before his career ends.
It has been a mixed year for Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker has been scoring goals for fun, as he still remains the focal point of the Bayern Munich attack. His off-field issues, though, that have grabbed the most headlines in Germany this year.
The former Borussia Dortmund striker vigorously pressed for a transfer away from the club in the summer to no avail. His performances in big games also took a hit, as speculation around his future continued to remain the main talking point in Bavaria.
Speaking to Sport Bild this week, Lewandowski admitted that he is open to finishing his career at Bayern Munich. The Pole is no longer considering a move and is totally happy in Bavaria.
"“It is quite possible that I will stay here for a very long time. I fully identify with Bayern. For me, it is definitely an option to end my career at Bayern.“I feel that – since all the rumors and problems are off the table – I am wholeheartedly with FC Bayern. 100 percent.”"
Lewandowski hired super agent Pini Zahavi at the start of this year, which further fueled speculation about his future at the club. He has always spoken glowingly about Real Madrid, and a move to Los Blancos was reportedly his prime target over the summer.
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Niko Kovac confirmed in the summer that Lewandowski told him about his wish to leave Bayern. The club’s hierarchy was not in any mood to listen to offers for the striker, though. Moreover, Real Madrid didn’t take any concrete steps to sign Lewandowski. Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain were loosely linked with the striker, but Bayern received no serious offers for him.
The Poland international’s desire to leave reportedly came, in part, from the club’s lack of support when he was criticized heavily in the media. He wanted to hold showdown talks with the club officials in order to get assurances about his role at the club. After the start of the new season, however, Lewandowski did a complete U-turn, claiming he was fully committed to the club.
Lewandowski has been in fine form again this season. He is the club’s top scorer across all competitions. The prolific number nine had a quiet first few of months under Niko Kovac. However, he has contributed with nearly a goal a game in the past month. Kovac will be hoping that Lewandowski maintains this form after the winter break, as Bayern chase Borussia Dortmund for the Bundesliga title.
Bayern are refreshing their aging squad, but they don’t desperately need a younger number nine right now. Lewandowski’s current contract at Bayern expires in 2021, and the Bavarians can bank on him for at least two more seasons as he is showing no signs of slowing down.