Robert Lewandowski has confirmed that he intends to stay at Barcelona and has no plans on leaving the club this summer.
The 35-year-old joined the Catalan giants for a reported €45m in July 2022 following a hugely successful and goal-laden eight-year spell at Bayern Munich.
Lewandowski impressed in his debut campaign at Camp Nou and scored 33 goals in 46 games, at least 23 goals more than any of his teammates, to help Barcelona win the La Liga title and Supercopa de Espana in 2022-23.
The Poland international has since netted 23 times in 44 appearances across all competitions this term, including a hat-trick in Barca's 4-2 home win over Valencia in La Liga on Monday, taking his top-flight goal tally to 16 in 30 matches.
However, Barcelona will end the current campaign trophyless and there have been suggestions that Lewandowski, whose contract expires in June 2026, could seek pastures new in the near future.
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Lewandowski remains committed to Barcelona
However, Lewandowski has dismissed those rumours and has insisted that he is preparing himself to represent Barcelona in the 2024-25 campaign.
"Yes, saying goodbye is definitely out of the question for me. Changing in the summer is not an issue. I feel physically good again now," the veteran striker told reporters as quoted by Barca Blaugranes.
"I had physical problems in the first half of the season, right from the beginning of the preparation. Things got better in 2024. I played good games, sometimes in a different role, as a false nine: I was able to provide assists and help shape the game.
"As long as I continue to feel as good as I do now and notice in training that no one is outrunning me, I want to keep playing. As of today, I say: This will continue for at least two more years."
Head coach Xavi has also commented on Lewandowski, adding: "I'm super happy with Lewandowski. I'm not gonna speak about future moves of any player, but his contribution is just excellent. I'm very, very happy with Robert".
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Lewandowski rules out imminent move to Saudi Arabia or MLS
Having now entered the twilight years of his career, Lewandowski has been tipped to move to a club in either the Saudi Pro League or MLS once his time at Barca comes to an end.
However, Lewandowski has played down those suggestions and is currently focused on representing his current club as opposed to planning a future move elsewhere.
"I haven't bothered with [rumours] for a second so far. Neither with a move to Saudi Arabia nor to the USA. That doesn't make sense at the moment," said the Pole.
"At some point it's about what my heart and my head say. When I'm 38 years old and the pain comes, I have to ask myself: Do I even want to continue? But I don't want to plan that far yet. Currently I say: I can definitely play at this highest level by 2026."
Lewandowski will be hoping to end the season on a high in Barca's remaining five La Liga matches, starting with Saturday's trip to third-placed Girona.
Oliver Thomas
