Lewandowski’s biographer reveals: How the rift with Bayern came about | OneFootball

Robert Lewandowski played for FC Bayern for a long time, always performing at the very highest level. In 2022, he left the record-holding champions, and their parting was not entirely amicable. Now, new details have emerged about the rift between FCB and the striker. 

It was FC Barcelona that secured Lewandowski’s services back in 2022. The striker played for the Catalans until this summer, winning titles there as well and scoring many goals. Now, the 37-year-old is embarking on a new chapter in Chicago.

New details have now emerged about the internal conflict that preceded the Polish player’s departure from Munich. Sebastian Staszewski, the striker’s biographer, writes in his book *Lewandowski. Prawdziwy* about this period and what caused the relationship between the club and the player to falter.

Interest in Haaland Affects Lewandowski

“Hasan Salihamidžić called Haaland’s agent. Pini Zahavi (Lewandowski’s agent, Ed.), who had his informants everywhere, and Lewandowski quickly found out about it. Although it hurt Robert, it didn’t seem to bother him; he remained true to himself and continued to score goals. But he enjoyed playing in Munich less and less,” the book states.

Photo: IMAGO

And it goes on: “When Zahavi asked Salihamidžić during a conversation in the lounge of a small private jet airport whether it was true that Bayern wanted to sign Haaland, he denied it without batting an eye. But both Zahavi and Lewandowski knew the truth, because they had met Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge, at a nightclub and learned that talks were already underway.”

This was also seen as a breach of trust. Lewandowski himself is said to have been increasingly inclined to leave at the time. Although Bayern didn’t sign Haaland—who later moved from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City—it was clear to the Polish player that he needed a new challenge.

Lewandowski himself was disappointed. “That was Bayern’s biggest mistake. Their bosses lied to me. After so many years, I deserved honesty and respect. If they had simply told me their plans openly, I probably would have even given them some advice. But they didn’t. And I was already far too old to be treated that way.”

After the Polish player clearly expressed his desire to leave at the time, the record champions reportedly tried to convince him to stay with a new offer. But nothing came of it.