Robert Lewandowski has sent his most explicit message yet to Bayern Munich as he insists he wants out this summer.
The Poland international has been heavily linked with a move away from the Bundesliga this year with Barcelona the club of his dreams. There has also been tentative interest from Chelsea and Manchester United, who are both keen on signing a striker in the transfer window.
The 33-year-old has hardly made his feelings unheard and has almost spoken non-stop since the season that he would like to leave Bayern. However, the German giants are unwilling so far to cancel his contract with one year left.
It has led to a dangerous impasse between the player and club where it could threaten his otherwise ironclad reputation among the Bavarian fans. That has not stopped Lewandowski from speaking out again, though, in his clearest message yet.
Talking to Polish outlet Onet Sport, he said: “I just want to leave Bayern. Loyalty and respect are more important than the work. The best thing to do is find a solution together. They didn't want to listen to me until the end. Something died inside me - and it's impossible to get over that. Even if you want to be professional, you can't make up for it.
“During so many years at the club I was always ready, available, despite injuries and the pain, I gave my best. I think the best thing to do is to find a good solution for both sides. And not to look for a one-sided decision.
"I’m not looking for a unilateral solution, that makes no sense, not after so much time, after such a successful era and with my will and support.
"What kind of player will want to go to Bayern knowing that something like this could happen to them? Where are the loyalty and respect then? I was always been ready, I spent eight nice years here, I met wonderful people and I would like it to stay that way in my mind."
Barcelona are desperate to clinch a deal, as well, but their financial situation means that it is not so simple. In fact, the Catalan club have still been pushing ahead with their transfer plans regardless.
Xavi is keen on an overhaul of the squad while free transfers have already been agreed with for AC Milan ace Franck Kessie and Chelsea star Andreas Christensen, while the Dane could be joined by his Blues pals Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpiliueta soon. They add to a team that also signed Ferran Torres for £50million and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal.
As for Lewandowski, Bayern are rarely forced into the transfer market by their own players and the veteran star's antics have left the club stunned. Munich president Herberet Hainer laid down the law when he reminded the striker that he has a contract to honour.
"We have always said that Robert Lewandowski has a contract with Bayern until June 30, 2023. And a contract is a contract!." Hainer said to Blid. "Where are we going if a player can terminate a contract early when we as a club would have to pay him in full until the last day of the agreement? That's not right, it can't be like that.
"I'm a bit surprised that Robert decided to go public, I wouldn't have done it if I were him. He's been with Bayern for a long time, he's won a lot of titles with us. I think he knows very well what he has at Bayern, that is, a club that treats its players very well, that does everything it can to make them perform at their best."
