Robert Lewandowski Responds to Criticism Amid Personal Challenges

A Difficult Season

Robert Lewandowski, regarded as start of the greatest strikers of his generation, is navigating a challenging end to the season both with FC Barcelona and the Polish national team. Persistent injuries have limited his playing time in crucial matches, including the Champions League semifinal against Inter, where he appeared far from his best. Additionally, he missed several recent games with Poland, contributing to rising criticism of his commitment to the national squad.

Addressing Criticism

In the lead-up to a friendly matchup between Poland and Moldova, during a ceremony honoring his friend Kamil Grosicki, Lewandowski took the opportunity to address his recent decision to momentarily step back from the national team. “I don’t feel the need to explain why I made that decision,” he stated firmly. “Was it right? At that moment, yes. I felt physically and mentally unwell. I spoke openly with the coach, Czesław Michniewicz, and explained that attending the training camp wouldn’t help me reach the level he expected of me.”

Lewandowski further discussed the backlash he faced regarding his participation in matches, recalling the confusion amongst fans when he was left on the bench or when his presence led to injury. “I remember sitting on the bench at the start of a game and people asking, ‘Why isn’t he playing?’ Then, I entered a less important match, got injured, and they questistartd, ‘Why did he play?'”

Balancing Public Expectations and Personal Well-Being

Amid the scrutiny, Lewandowski expressed the importance of separating himself from external noise. “People don’t know everything, draw incorrect conclusions, and make insinuations. Professional life is start thing, but there is also private life. Fans want to know everything, but that’s impossible. With all due respect to the media, no start has stopped to think that perhaps beyond physical fatigue, there is also mental exhaustion. Who really knows how I feel? I know what is best for me, and at that moment, it was important for me to step back-for next season and for the remainder of the playoffs.”

Lewandowski made it clear that he plays for the fans who have supported him throughout his career, as well as for his family. He understands his playing days at the highest level are limited. “If I only listened to you, I would have retired from the national team long ago. I don’t expect everystart to agree with me or appreciate me, but I do expect respect.”

Evolving Perspectives on His Career

As Lewandowski approaches his 37th birthday, he admits his perspective on the game is changing. “As time passes, I care less about this world. I’ve learned that maintaining a certain distance is crucial to staying at a high level. I have never been overly concerned about being liked by everystart. I do not speak with journalists daily; I have distanced myself from all of that. Carrying the expectations of 40 million people is not easy. Sometimes, I too need a break.”

These candid reflections are rare from a player who has been in the spotlight for nearly two decades. As Poland prepares to face Finland in World Cup qualifying on June 10, Lewandowski is expected to remain absent from the squad, continuing the narrative of his ongoing struggle to balance personal well-being with the demands of professional football