Robert Lewandowski, the illustrious Polish striker and all-time top scorer for the national football team, recently made headlines with a strong statement regarding his future with the squad. He announced that he would not represent Poland under the current leadership of head coach Michal Probierz, expressing feelings of betrayal related to the loss of his captaincy. This surprising revelation reflects deep-seated emotions that Lewandowski has towards the handling of the situation, which has apparently led to a significant rift between him and the coaching staff.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Lewandowski articulated his sentiments regarding the “loss of trust” he now feels towards Probierz. The 36-year-old forward emphasized that due to the circumstances surrounding the captaincy issue, he has officially decided to resign from international duty as long as Probierz remains at the helm. Nevertheless, Lewandowski has left a glimmer of hope, expressing his desire to one day return and play again for what he regards as “the best fans in the world.” This statement serves as a reminder of his passion for the game and his commitment to his country, despite his current discontent with the coaching situation.
Lewandowski’s comments emerged just before Poland’s critical World Cup qualifier against Finland. In a move that shocked many, Probierz appointed midfielder Piotr Zielinski of Inter Milan as the new captain, with Lewandowski not included in the squad due to his ongoing mental and physical fatigue. This change was controversial, particularly given Lewandowski’s long history with the national team, where he has proudly worn the captain’s armband for an impressive 11 years and played in 158 matches since his debut in 2008.
In an interview with Polish media outlet WP SportoweFakty, Lewandowski expressed his disappointment over the manner in which the decision was communicated. He reflected on how he had served as captain for over a decade and suggested that such significant matters should have been handled with greater sensitivity. “Everything was communicated over the phone,” he lamented, indicating that he expected a more personal approach, especially given his longstanding dedication to the Polish national team. Lewandowski described the way the situation unfolded as a betrayal of trust, underscoring the emotional weight this decision carries for him.
While Lewandowski has been a significant figure in Polish football, his future with the national team is now uncertain. In response to inquiries about possibly retiring from international football altogether, he maintained that he still deeply values representing Poland. He stated, “I want to sit down and think about it all calmly,” highlighting the need for reflection following the events. His statement suggests that while he feels anger and regret, he has not relinquished his love for his national team.
The Polish Football Association (PZPN) attempted to clarify the situation by asserting that Probierz had personally informed Lewandowski and the entire squad about the change in captaincy. Probierz acknowledged the challenge of making such decisions concerning an outstanding player like Lewandowski, asserting that it was simply the right moment to initiate a change in leadership. Despite the complexities surrounding this decision, it remains evident that the relationship between Lewandowski and Probierz is strained, raising questions about the future dynamics of the national side as they navigate upcoming competitions.
In light of these developments, it will be intriguing to observe how both Lewandowski and the Polish national team proceed in the coming days and months. Unlike the fast-paced nature of football, the emotional toll of such events may linger, ultimately shaping the trajectory of both Lewandowski’s international career and the team’s cohesion. For now, he remains a pivotal figure in Polish football, and the footballing community awaits further confirmation of his next steps.