Barcelona celebrates Lewandowski: He came as a star. And he departs like a legend

Spanish Premier League champions FC Barcelona have announced the departure of their Polish striker Robert Lewandowski from the team at the end of the current season.

Barcelona  wrote on its official account on "X": "He came as a star. He is gone as a legend," the  club continued, speaking of Lewandowski, 37, "Thank you Robert Lewandowski for every goal, every battle and every magical moment while wearing the shirt, Barcelona will remain forever."

The player wrote a farewell message on his Instagram account, in which he said: "It's time for me to go... The mission is achieved."

"4 seasons, 3 league championships, I will never forget the love I received from the fans, Catalonia has a place in my heart, thank you to all those I met during this period, thank you Laporta, the president of the club, who allowed me to live the most special period in my professional career."

Is Lewandowski heading to Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal?

Lewandowski moved to Barcelona from Bayern Munich in July 2022, where he played 375 games for Bayern, scoring 344 goals and assisting 73 goals, according to the statistical website "Transfermarkt".

He won the most trophies in his career with the German club, most notably the Champions League, and the Poland international played 191 games in a Barcelona shirt, during which he scored 119 goals and assisted 24 goals.

Lewandowski's contract with Barcelona was due to expire at the end of the current season, while the player did not reach an agreement on extending his contract, and several press reports, including the newspaper "Marca", confirmed that the Spanish club's management did not negotiate with the player about renewing his contract.

Lewandowski's name has reportedly been linked to a move to the Saudi league, especially Al-Hilal, which is looking to strengthen its ranks with new elements, in addition to the possibility of moving to the American league as well.