Robert Lewandowski hits back at Barcelona exit rumours

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski insists there is "no difference" in his output from a few years ago, despite getting closer to his 37th birthday, reiterating the likelihood of remaining at the club this summer.

Lewandowski scored his 37th and 38th goals of the season at the weekend as Barcelona won 4-1 against regional neighbours Girona. Even before kick-off, it was already his best season tally since joining the club in 2022 and he could feasibly get to 50 in the final two months of the campaign.

However, questions about his longevity have sparked rumours that Barcelona could look to cut ties with Lewandowski this summer in favour of pursuing a younger striker, with Newcastle United's Alexander Isak touted as a possible target.

"A lot of people are talking about my age, but I know I'm working as hard as always," Lewandowski told reporters. "I want to play at the top level for a few more years. I feel very good physically.

"There's no difference between a few years ago and now in terms of my stats."

In Lewandowski's final season at Bayern Munich, he netted 50 times in 46 games across all competitions. He had reached 55 in 2019/20, the season he was controversially denied a Ballon d'Or after the award was cancelled due to the Covid-19 crisis, even with football still being played. But most of his other seasons with Bayern produced goal tallies between 40 and 48.

Lewandowski is part of a generation of players benefitting from improving sports science practices, allowing them to extend careers beyond the previously typical retirement age of 35.

"For me, the most important thing is what I have to do collectively with the team. I know that if I score two goals, I'll be helping my team," the Poland legend said.

"For me as a striker, the important thing is to have more confidence. If I'm in the box or close to it, I know that if the ball comes to me, I have the goal in my head."

Lewandowski has another season after the current one left on the contract he signed in 2022. Agent Pini Zahavi recently also stated the player’s desire to remain with Barcelona beyond the summer.

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