Robert Lewandowski: “I feel good enough to play at the highest level”
Barcelona’s new striker Robert Lewandowski was officially unveiled in front of 60,000 fans at Camp Nou.
New Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski spoke alongside club president Joan Laporta at Camp Nou on Friday.
In his official presentation in front of almost 60,000 fans at Camp Nou, Lewandowski said: “It’s difficult to find the words to express what I’m experiencing. I’m confident and I’m going to show all I can do on the pitch.
“My team-mates have a lot of potential. Everything is going well in training. We have to show that we are in a good moment. In this club and with this management, very different things can happen compared to last season.
“It’s a challenge coming to Barcelona, to show all I can do on the pitch. I also want to show the experience I have with my team-mates. To think about the performance of the team as a whole. Everyone has talent and in this combination comes my experience to explain a lot of things in football.
“Age is a number and it doesn’t matter. I feel good enough to play at the highest level. When the transfer was made it was not easy to leave Bayern. For me and my family it was the right step. I am here and it is the best solution. I am very happy and proud.”
Lewandowski on El Clásico
The former Bayern Munich striker went on to discuss El Clásico. “I’m always ready to face Madrid. Last season was very good. It will be difficult to beat them. In football you have to beat Madrid and other clubs on the pitch. Obviously, I’m sure we will go to win and to win the Champions League. We are ready for the Clásico. I’m not thinking about Benzema. He’s been in LaLiga for many years and the important thing is playing for Barcelona.”
Barcelona’s new number 9
Lewandowski will wear the number nine shirt for Barcelona. Memphis Depay had previously worn the number and, for the moment, the Dutch forward remains without a number at Barça, with his future still up in the air.
Barça president Joan Laporta explained why the club have given the Polish player the number nine shirt. “It is a club decision for reasons that are in the club’s interest, for image and publicity reasons and it has been done. Memphis has understood the decision,” Laporta said.
‘Historic’ day for Barcelona
“Today is a historic day for Barça. The Culés are proud that Robert wants to play for Barça. In my first spell it was easier for them to come to Barça. We see in the market that there is a desire to play here. The league is attractive with players like Robert. A year ago we had to sadly announce an unwanted decision and a year later we are turning it around. We can say that Barça is out of hospital and we have to continue with caution,” Laporta added.
“It has been a very difficult year that we have lived through intensely with important decisions. We have withstood the pressure well. Everything we are working on is going well. The club is on the right track and we are at cruising speed to bring joy back to Barcelona fans and to win titles. These are exciting times.”