European football: Robert Lewandowski to leave Barcelona with ’mission complete’

Robert Lewandowski has confirmed he is leaving Barcelona this summer at the end of his contract. The 37-year-old striker scored 119 goals for the Spanish club in 191 games across all competitions since joining from Bayern Munich in 2022.

Lewandowski helped Barça to three La Liga titles, including this season’s trophy, and the Copa del Rey in 2025. “After four years full of challenges and hard work, it’s time to move on,” said Lewandowski in a post on Instagram. “I leave with the feeling that the mission is complete. Four seasons, three championships.”

The forward joined with Barça at a low ebb and struggling financially, helping restore them to the Spanish throne and also compete for the Champions League. “Barça is back where it belongs,” continued Lewandowski. “I will never forget the love I received from the fans from my very first days. Catalonia is my place on earth.”

Lewandowski will play for the last time at Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium on Sunday against Real Betis.

Real Madrid’s Álvaro Arbeloa gave his blessing to former manager José Mourinho on Saturday amid intense speculation that the Portuguese coach is set to replace him and start a second stint at the European powerhouse.

Mourinho led Madrid between 2010 and 2013 has been heavily linked with a return to the Bernabéu bench. Currently coaching Benfica, selecting the divisive Mourinho would be a gamble on the part of president Florentino Pérez after Los Blancos finished without a major trophy for a second consecutive season.

Real Madrid’s head coach Álvaro Arbeloa says José Mourinho is ‘No 1. He’s one of ours’. Photograph: Sergio Pérez/EPA

“For me, as a former [Madrid] player and as a Madridista, José Mourinho is No 1. He’s one of ours,” said Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January but was unable to help Madrid salvage anything from a troubled campaign. “If he comes back next year, I’ll be very happy to see him back home.”