Lewandowski addresses unusual Barcelona request over goals and contract payments – ‘Was aware of the situation’ | OneFootball

Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski has, without spelling it out directly, opened the door to one of the most delicate conversations surrounding the financial pressures that followed his arrival from Bayern Munich.

Speaking in an interview with Polish journalist Bogdan Rymanowski, Lewandowski reacted to claims made in an unauthorised biography that suggested Barcelona were financially exposed if the striker crossed a certain goal threshold. 

According to the book, a clause in the deal between Barcelona and Bayern meant that additional payments would be triggered once Lewandowski reached a specific number of goals, placing further strain on an already fragile club economy.

Lewandowski clears the air

As such, it is stated in the biography that the Barcelona management requested the forward to stop scoring to avoid paying more.

While the Polish striker stopped short of confirming the details, his words offered insight into an unusual situation for a player of his stature. 

“There are things I don’t want to talk about. I have a lot of respect for FC Barcelona and the people who work there. I was aware of the club’s situation,” said the striker as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Lewandowski addressed one of the most sensitive matters. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The context behind that statement matters. Lewandowski arrived at Barcelona in the summer of 2022 as the club’s marquee signing. 

His goals were expected to drive success on the pitch, but behind the scenes, every milestone also carried financial consequences.

Despite acknowledging that the situation stayed with him mentally, Lewandowski was keen to underline that it never affected his professionalism or commitment on the pitch. 

“For me, nothing changed. I have no problem with that, although it stuck in my mind and at some point I did think about it,” he added.

For what it is worth, rather than creating tension, Lewandowski chose to downplay the episode, framing it as part of the reality of modern football, where financial structures often sit alongside sporting ambition.