Robert Lewandowski believes his belief was “betrayed” by Poland head coach Michal Probierz after confirming he was stepping away from worldwide soccer this week.
Lewandowski, who’s Poland’s all-time goalscorer and appearance-maker, mentioned on Sunday he wouldn’t play for his nation once more so long as Probierz remained in cost.
The 36-year-old cited “bodily and psychological tiredness” as the rationale for making himself unavailable for his nation in the course of the present worldwide window.
The choice got here after Lewandowski was stripped of the captaincy, though the Barcelona striker mentioned it was the way in which the difficulty was dealt with which harm most.
“I acquired a shock name from Probierz with the data that he had determined to remove the armband,” Lewandowski mentioned in an interview with SportoweFakty on Monday.
“I used to be not ready for it in any respect, I used to be placing my youngsters to mattress. The dialog lasted a couple of minutes.
“I didn’t even have time to inform my household what had occurred, as a result of just a few moments later it appeared on-line.
“I’ve been sporting the armband for 11 years and taking part in for the nationwide staff for 17. It appeared to me that such issues ought to be dealt with in a different way.
“All the pieces was communicated over the telephone. It actually shouldn’t be like this. The coach betrayed my belief.
“I’ve all the time given every thing to the nationwide staff, it’s all the time been an important factor to me, however I’m very harm by what occurred.”
Biorąc pod uwagę okoliczności i utratę zaufania do selekcjonera Reprezentacji Polski postanowiłem do czasu kiedy jest trenerem zrezygnować z gry w Reprezentacji Polski. Mam nadzieję, że będzie dane mi jeszcze zagrać dla najlepszych kibiców na świecie.
— Robert Lewandowski (@lewy_official) June 8, 2025
Lewandowski’s alternative adopted days of criticism within the Polish media following his determination to not make himself obtainable for video games in opposition to Moldova and Finland this month.
He performed 52 instances throughout all competitions for Hansi Flick’s facet, netting 42 targets as he helped his staff raise three trophies, together with the LaLiga title.
Because of this, Probierz opted to interchange Lewandowski as captain, with Piotr Zielinski handed the armband for his or her two worldwide fixtures this month.
“It’s not even in regards to the determination concerning the armband, however the way in which it was communicated to me,” Lewandowski added.
“I actually don’t care in regards to the armband itself. I imagine in Zielinski, and I’m holding my fingers crossed for him.
“I’ve the impression that the coach caved in to the media strain. He broke agreements we had and that’s why I’m shocked by his perspective.
“The choice that I wouldn’t come to the coaching camp was made along with the coach.
“I known as him to ask what he considered me getting some relaxation. He mentioned that he supported it and that he was even fascinated by calling me about it.”
Lewandowski, who has another 12 months to run on his Barca contract, mentioned he could not have stepped away from the nationwide staff if Probierz had handled the state of affairs in a different way.
“I wish to sit down and give it some thought all calmly,” he mentioned when requested if he’ll play for Poland once more.
“I must catch my breath. Then I can say extra about my ideas and what’s subsequent. As we speak there’s remorse and anger.
“I’ve all the time cared lots in regards to the nationwide staff. Nothing has modified in that respect.”