Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski responds to critics

Robert Lewandowski has had a somewhat difficult start to the season with Barcelona, as he has not been the undisputed starter at striker. Ferran Torres has been in the line-up more often, but despite this, the Poland international has still racked up four goals – all of which have come in La Liga.

Lewandowski’s age means that he is unlikely to start as many matches as previous seasons, but as he made clear to TVP Sport (via Sport), he feels that he can still be a very important player for both club and country.

“I feel that I still have a lot to give. When someone looks for some aspect of me that allows them to explain something, they always say that I am old, that I can’t run, that I don’t feel like running or that I don’t work – and that’s nonsense. Just look at the distance I’ve travelled and how much I’ve run, so it’s not like that. Of course I am aware that at my age, playing fewer minutes could benefit me throughout the season.

“I don’t want to say that I am a victim of my age, there are people who know how to take advantage of it, but I feel very good. Obviously, I don’t expect to play the 90 minutes in every game. I see football a little differently, but once on the pitch, I know that I can handle it, and it doesn’t make a big difference because I am still physically good in training, I continue to stand out. It’s not that I disappear in training, so in that sense, I feel that I still have a lot to give.”

Lewandowski playing his final season in Barcelona colours

Lewandowski is still very much valued at Barcelona, although it has been reported that this season will be his last at the club. His contract expires next June, and as things stand, he will not be offered the chance to extend his stay by an additional 12 months.