Barcelona superstar hits back at criticism over national team absence – ‘People don't have all the information'
Barcelona superstar hits back at criticism over national team absence – 'People don't have all the information'
Robert Lewandowski endured a difficult end to the 2024/25 season. Persistent physical problems severely limited his involvement, forcing him to miss key matches or appear only from the bench – far from his best form.
Barcelona felt the impact in their UEFA Champions League semi-final defeat against Inter Milan.
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Following the end of the season, Lewandowski opted to take a short break and withdrew from Poland's two international fixtures – one a friendly, the other a World Cup qualifier.
The decision sparked a wave of criticism in Poland, with many accusing him of abandoning the national team.
Lewandowski hits back
But Lewandowski has now broken his silence. The striker made a surprise appearance ahead of Poland's friendly against Moldova, a match that also served as a tribute to Kamil Grosicki, and gave a revealing interview to TVP (h/t SPORT).
When asked why he pulled out of the Poland national squad in the current international break, the veteran striker replied:
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'I don't have to explain why I made this decision. Was it the right one? At the time I decided, it was. I think the team can manage without me. This team does not depend on me.
'I called coach Probierz because I wanted to talk to him honestly. I told him that I didn't feel good physically and mentally. I was in a slump at that moment. I felt that going to training camp would not help me at the level he wanted.'
Lewandowski also addressed the repeated criticism he has faced in connection with Poland's recent underwhelming results.
'I remember not so long ago I started a game from the bench and people asked, why don't you play? Then I played a less important game, got injured and the questions were just the other way round – why did you play?'
Lewandowski insisted he tries to remain unaffected by outside criticism but regrets that many form opinions without knowing the full story.
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'People don't have all the information, they insinuate things and draw the wrong conclusions. Few people know what really happens to me. Professional life is one thing, but it is also private. Fans would like to know everything, but it's impossible,' he said.
Lewandowski opted out of Poland's matches this month. (Photo by)
Continuing, he added: 'With all due respect to the media and journalists, none of you thought that, besides physical fatigue, there is also mental fatigue. Who of you knows how I feel and what is best for me?
'I have my own ideas and at that moment I thought it would be worth letting it go for the sake of the next season and the rest of the qualifiers.'
Directing his ire at the media pundits, Lewandowski stated: 'With all due respect to the media and pundits, if I only listened to you, I would have stopped playing for this national team a long time ago.
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'I only play for the fans. They have supported me for many years and I do it mainly for them and my family. I know I won't have many more chances to play seasons like this, to win the Champions League, to play at this level.
'I know that not everyone has to agree with my decision or hold me in high esteem, but there must always be respect.'
Set to turn 37 years old in a couple of months, Lewandowski admits that football's external noise affects him less and less.
'I've already learned that if you don't keep your distance, it's difficult to stay at the top level. I have never cared about everybody liking me. I don't have daily contact with journalists. I have distanced myself from all this,' he said.
'Carrying the expectations of a nation of 40 million for so many years is not an easy task. Sometimes I also need a rest.'
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