“If I only listened to the media, I’d have quit the national team” - Barcelona ace Lewandowski hits back at critics for questioning his decision

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski responded to critics questioning his decision to skip Poland's friendly with Moldova and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier with Finland on Tuesday (June 10).

Last month, after Barca concluded a successful season, winning the domestic treble, Lewandowski informed fans that he wouldn't feature in the June international break due to fatigue. He said (as per Barca Blaugranes):

“Dear fans! Due to the circumstances and the intensity of the club’s season, the coach and I have jointly decided that I will not participate in the Polish national team’s training camp in June. Playing in red and white has always been a dream come true for me, but sometimes your body gives you a signal that it needs a temporary rest."

The striker received criticism for the same, but Lewandowski has responded that he doesn't need to explain his absence in international duty this month.

"I don’t have to explain my decision of not playing now," he said (as per Barca Universal). "I told the coach I wasn’t well physically or mentally. I felt going to the camp wouldn’t help. Not long ago I started on the bench, played and got injured, and they questioned why I played."

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He continued:

"With due all respect, if I only listened to the media, I’d have quit the national team long ago. I play for the fans and my family. Not everyone has to agree or like me, but there should be respect."

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Lewandowski concluded:

"I’ve learned it’s hard to stay at the top if you don’t keep distance. I’ve never cared about pleasing everyone. Carrying a nation's expectations for years isn’t easy. Sometimes, I need rest."

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The 36-year-old is Poland's top scorer with 84 goals in 157 games, including a strike in two games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

How did Robert Lewandowski fare for Barcelona last season?

Robert Lewandowski is coming off a fine 2024-25 season with Barcelona, who won the La Liga, Supercopa Espana and Copa del Rey titles, beating arch-rivals Real Madrid in two finals.

In his first season under his former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick, the Poland international amassed 42 goals and three assists in 52 games. His 27 strikes in the league were only behind Los Blancos striker Kylian Mbappe (31), who won the Golden Boot.

Lewandowski also struck 11 times in 13 games in the UEFA Champions League, where Barcelona lost 7-6 on aggregate to Inter Milan in the semis after a 4-3 extra-time second-leg home defeat.

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Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 20 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

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Edited by Bhargav