Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski has called his "era" at Allianz Arena "over", with the Poland international desperate to leave the club during this summer's transfer window.
The 33-year-old was again in excellent form for Bayern during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring 50 goals and registering seven assists in 46 appearances in all competitions.
However, the forward's contract is due to expire next June, and he has recently signalled a desire to leave the Bundesliga champions in search of pastures new.
Speaking during a press conference for the Polish national team, Lewandowski has said that he no longer wants to play for Bayern and is hopeful that the club do not prevent him from leaving in the upcoming market.
"My era at Bayern is over. I don't see any possibility to continue playing for this club anymore. Bayern's a serious club and I believe they won't keep me, I don't want to play there anymore. A transfer is the best solution. I hope they don't stop me," Lewandowski told reporters.
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Former Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge recently branded Lewandowski "irreplaceable" for the club, urging the German giants not to allow the forward to leave.
"Robert is irreplaceable for FC Bayern. You need a player like that, even if he's about to turn 34. That's a goal guarantee that doesn't exist anywhere in Europe. Robert is top class!" he said.
"You have to pray that Robert stays, he is the absolute attraction of the league. You have to fight for it, talk to him and cuddle with the advisor. You have to include him in the inner workings of the club."
Meanwhile, the striker's agent Pini Zahavi recently told Bild: "For Robert Lewandowski, FC Bayern is history. Robert wants to leave FC Bayern after eight years in which he gave the club everything.
"Now, at almost 34, he has the opportunity to fulfill a lifetime dream and join the club he always dreamed of. Why is FC Bayern denying him this opportunity?
"For Robert, the matter is very clear: he wants to leave FC Bayern this summer. Nobody cares about money here, neither Robert nor me. He hasn't felt respected by the people in charge for months, that's the truth. FC Bayern didn't lose the player Lewandowski, but the person Robert."
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Lewandowski has scored 344 goals and registered 72 assists in 374 appearances for his current side in all competitions, winning eight Bundesliga titles, three German Cups and the Champions League.
Barcelona are said to be at the head of the queue for the forward, with the club's head coach Xavi desperate to bring him to Camp Nou in the upcoming market.
However, even with Lewandowski signalling a desire to leave, Bayern still have him on a deal until next June, and the German club's sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic recently ruled out an exit.
"I would not accept it. We have the best player in the world and we want him to stay here. We are proud of him and we are very fond of him. We haven't negotiated with him yet, but we will," Salihamidzic told Sky Deutschland.
"Lewandowski leaving this summer is not an option. He has a contract until 2023. We will have some talks soon and we will see how they develop and how to act afterwards. We want him to stay."
Lewandowski is currently with the Poland squad preparing for their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches with Wales, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Matt Law
