Lewandowski ‘Hopes To Play’ With Messi At Barcelona Next Season: “He Belongs At Barca”
Speaking at a public appearance today, Barcelona superstar Robert Lewandowski has claimed that he wishes to see Lionel Messi back at the club in the summer transfer window.
Messi’s current contract with PSG expires at the end of the season and the former Barcelona captain has been heavily linked with a return to his old stomping grounds.
Several players such as Sergi Roberto, Jordi Alba, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Ronald Araujo have spoken openly about wanting Messi to come back to Barcelona.
And now, Lewandowski has also joined in, stating that the 35-year-old belongs at the club and he hopes to play together with him next season.
“Messi belongs at Barça and if he comes back it will be incredible. We know his place is here at Barcelona. I don’t know what will happen, but I hope that next season we can play together,” Lewandowski said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
During the interaction, the 34-year-old Poland captain also spoke about Barcelona’s recent form and their chances of lifting the La Liga title this season.
Looking back at the last two games and what lies ahead for the team, the striker said: “We know that the last few weeks we’ve had some injuries and it hasn’t been easy, but I hope that now we’ll get back on the right track.
“The last two games weren’t perfect, but we have to step up in the ten games that are left. For my part, I will try to be at the highest level.”
On how the season has panned out so far for Barcelona, Lewandowski said: “It’s still early days for La Liga. We are taking steps and it’s not easy.
“We have a lot of new players and a lot of injuries, like in the Champions League group stage or the last game against Madrid, so it has been difficult. At Bayern it has always been normal, but Barça are in the process of becoming great again. We have to be patient and I’m sure next season will be better.”
In recent matches, Barcelona’s lack of goals and effectiveness in the final third have come to the fore. But, Lewandowski assured that things will get back to normal soon, saying:
“In the last few weeks we have not been at our best. The World Cup has also made it difficult for a lot of players. People always expect more goals, but I’m convinced that we can play better in attack. I’m sure we will score a lot of goals.”
Stressing on the importance of winning the La Liga title this season, Lewandowski added that it can be a huge boost to the club as well as many players.
“We know that in recent years Barça have not won La Liga and we are in a good position. If we win the title, many players will have great confidence. We are all working to progress,” he said.
“We’re focused on La Liga and there are points left to win, but we’re not thinking about the gap to Madrid. We have to score goals and make the fans happy. My teammates and I are working hard to win the title.”
Earlier today, reports emerged claiming that Lewandowski was dealing with an issue in his back that had been bothering him during the game against Girona. Providing an update on his condition, the iconic striker said:
“I had a knock against Madrid, but I always want to play. In the second half against Madrid it was complicated. I should have asked for a substitution. Yesterday I couldn’t walk, but I tried to play without problems. We worked with the physios.
“It’s part of football. I always try to be ready for my teammates. The good thing is that in the next game, I will be fine. On the pitch, I have to play better, but that kick from Militao left me with a bad body.”
