Flick hails 'perfect role model' Lewandowski before Barça departure

Coach Hansi Flick paid tribute to Robert Lewandowski and described him as the “perfect role model” following the announcement of his departure from Barcelona.

The 37-year-old Poland striker will leave Barça at the end of the season after four years at the La Liga champions.

In that time, he has scored 119 goals in 191 appearances and lifted three LaLiga titles, one Copa del Rey and three Spanish Super Cups.

Flick hailed Lewandowski as a “world-class player” and praised the striker’s work-rate ahead of Barca’s final two games this season.

Flick told a pre-match press conference on Saturday: “For me it’s a privilege to work with him because he’s a professional player, I never have this before because every day he gave the best for his body, always to be on the highest level.

“I think it’s a perfect role model for all the young players. This is why he’s playing still on this level.

“When you want to change now, want to move, it’s good, it’s for him, maybe also for the club because then we can restructure a little bit the team.

“At the end, I really appreciate a lot working with him because he’s a fantastic human but also a great player, a world-class player and still on this level.”

Flick was also Lewandowski's coach at Bayern Munich when they won the Champions League in 2020.

Barcelona were crowned La Liga champions last weekend with a 2-0 triumph over rivals Real Madrid at home.

Defeat to relegation-threatened Alaves on Wednesday ended their run of six-straight victories and an 11-game winning run in La Liga, but they sit 11 points clear at the top of the table.

They face Real Betis on Sunday in their last home game of the campaign and Lewandowski will get the opportunity to say farewell at Spotify Camp Nou.

Flick added: “We have time so it’s now not the end of the season and I think also he deserved it that all the fans, the club, everyone says goodbye.

“He will also start tomorrow – it’s clear because he deserves it.”