Robert Lewandowski credits ‘amazing’ Xavi for decision to join Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski has credited Barcelona head coach Xavi for his decision to join the Spanish club from Bayern Munich, describing the former midfielder’s ideas and methods as the basis for an “amazing future” at Camp Nou.

Lewandowski has moved to Barcelona for a fee in a region of €50m (£42.5m) having had one year remaining on his contract with Bayern. Speaking on Barcelona’s official media channel having joined up with his new team on their pre-season tour of the US, the 33-year-old Poland striker said: “I was speaking with Xavi and from the beginning I know [what’s been on his] mind, his ideas. It was easy for me to decide to come to Barcelona because I’m the guy who wants to play, who wants to win, and I think that with Xavi it’s very possible.

“He knows exactly how to coach Barcelona because he was an amazing player and now he’s also a very good coach. He has an amazing future and I want to be a part of this as well.”

Lewandowski is the Bundesliga’s second highest record scorer with 348 goals. He won the league title in each of his eight seasons with Bayern, as well as the Champions League in 2020. He has also been pushing for a move from Bavaria to Barça since May and is relieved a deal was finally completed last week.

“Finally, I’m here, I’m very happy to be here with Barcelona,” Lewandowski said. “The last few days were very long days but in the end the deal is done. So now I can focus on a new chapter in my life, a new challenge.”