51 days left on his contract, no decision made. A hint of a lower league. A phrase about enjoying his life.
Robert Lewandowski has not confirmed his retirement yet but he came closer to revealing it Sunday than he ever has before.
What Lewandowski actually said
Speaking after the title celebrations with Barcelona on Sunday, Lewandowski was measured, but his comments contained clear indications. "I do not know what I am going to do yet. I just learned that I have 51 days left on my contract, so there is still time." It was followed by: "There may be an option at a lower league, I am almost 38 but feel well and I will consider that."
This does not sound like a man who is seeking to negotiate another contract at a big club but a man that is really contemplating the possibility whether his career at the elite level is already over or not.
"I have to consider the possibility that this may be the right moment for me to continue playing and enjoy my life."This is what stands out more.
At 37 and having won everything there is to win Lewandowski is now asking the question many successful elite athletes face toward the twilight of their careers, When have I had enough?
What it means for Barcelona
Laporta, Deco and Flick have not held any formal meeting with Lewandowski on his future yet, although that was supposed to happen before the end of the season. His comments on Saturday reveal that Lewandowski is no longer waiting for that meeting.
The contract issue is quite simple, 30 June is the deadline. Barcelona were ready to offer Lewandowski a short-term deal on a lower salary. It is clear that the option that Lewandowski mentioned (in the lower league) combined with the thought of enjoying his life have not done enough to impress him.
The Saudi Pro League has been an option since before, but MLS has also been spoken of in his entourage and it is that sort of contract and lower level of competitive intensity that he mentioned in his comment. "Continuing to play and enjoying my life" definitely does not correspond to the Champions League.
What he gave Barcelona this season
16 goals in all competitions. Leadership and professionalism that is hard to measure and would be expensive to replace.
He once again gave Barcelona everything they needed for another season at the age of 37. Despite all the contract and wage-cut gossip, none of it showed in his performances on the pitch. That should be respected.
The bottom line
Lewandowski's decision will come in the next few weeks and his comments all point to an exit not dramatic nor resentful, but a man who knows that this is probably the right time to leave and is seeking to do so at his own terms.
Barcelona have already begun the search for his successor. Lewandowski's comments confirm they are right to do so.
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