Published on 1 Nov 2022 1:34 pm (UK Time)
Robert Lewandowski dismisses reports of moving to Barcelona with the objective of only winning the Ballon d’Or.
During his time with Bayern Munich, the Polish international was a sensation as he managed to bag 344 goals in just 375 appearances which helped the German giants lift major titles which include the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal, DFL-Supercup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Despite putting up stellar performances for his club and country, the 34-year-old has never won the most prestigious individual honour the Ballon d’Or.
In 2020 he came close to finally lifting the prestigious honour as he played a pivotal role in helping Bayern win the Champions League however due to Covid-19 the 2020 Ballon d’Or edition was cancelled therefore he was unable to get his hands on the trophy and the following year he finished runners up to Lionel Messi who lifted the award for the 8th time which is a record.
Since most of the winners of the Ballon d’Or are players who either play for Barcelona or Real Madrid there were speculations that he had joined Barcelona from Bayern Munich with the sole objective of lifting the Ballon d’Or however in a recent interview with La Vanguardia (Barcauniversal) he brushes aside these rumours and he explains his decision to join Barcelona.
“I had a wish in my heart. When I was young, I watched Barcelona matches on TV and remember how they played and the players they had. They were great names and for a young man it is something that stays in your head forever.”
“I’m in the right place even though I know the first season won’t be easy. But it was a huge challenge for me, sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges in life. I am happy because I am experiencing new things as a footballer and as a human being.”
When he was asked about the Ballon d’Or he shared his thoughts on the same.
“An award but it’s not something you think about every day. I didn’t come to Barcelona to win it, as some have said. is a lie. I don’t have the idea of the Ballon d’Or in my head, I have achieved everything I ever wanted and I have it in my heart.”
The Polish international also talked about adapting to Barcelona and not joining a Premier League club
“It was very easy to adapt from day one. My first communication with my new colleagues was very good. I tried to communicate with them both on and off the field. It’s a group of players with huge potential but also great people.
“I’m in the club I want and when you feel relaxed and happy, everything is easier.”
“I’ve played many times against English teams but I wanted to be in the team that I’ve dreamed of since I was young and where I’ve always wanted to go. Not only do I feel comfortable in Barcelona, but I am also proud. I’m in a very beautiful place.”
Robert Lewandowski has had a flying start to his Barcelona career so far as he has found the back of the net 17 times in 18 appearances which showcases how lethal he can be in front of the goal however the striker will be plying his trade in the Europa League following a disastrous Champions League campaign where they will finish third behind Inter Milan and Bayern Munich.
