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Prolific goalscorer Robert Lewandowski will leave Barcelona at the end of the season, the Spanish club said on Saturday.
The Polish striker, who turns 38 in August, was widely expected to be on the move with his contract expiring.
Lewandowski joined Barcelona from Bayern in a 45 million euro ($52 million) transfer in 2022 as his new club was in serious financial trouble and still reeling from Lionel Messi’s exit. Lewandowski was seen as an important 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 games.
“After four years full of challenges and hard work, it’s time to move on. I leave feeling mission accomplished,” Lewandowski wrote on Instagram.
Lewandowski did not say in his message what is next for his career. He has been linked with a move to Juventus or to leagues outside Europe.
This season, Lewandowski lost his status as the undisputed first-choice striker for Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, as the former Bayern coach often preferred the speed and hustle of the younger Ferran Torres.
Lamine Yamal, who has played on Lewandowski’s right, praised his attacking 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. It hosts Real Betis on Sunday and visits Valencia on May 23.
Report from the Associated Press.
