Lewandowski accuses critics of ageism amid uncertain Barcelona future

Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski believes that he is being unfairly criticised due to his age.

The 37-year-old has experienced a mixed start to the season. Although he has scored a respectable four goals in seven LaLiga outings, Lewandowski is no longer an undisputed starter.

All told, the Poland international has netted a whopping 105 goals in 156 games for Barcelona despite his advanced age, but his time with the club is likely coming to an end in 2026.

While there is an option to extend his contract by a further season, reports are increasingly suggesting that Barcelona will part ways with the veteran striker next summer.

Lewandowski, who sustained a muscle tear on international duty with Poland and will now have to spend some time on the sidelines, believes that he is getting a bad rap due to his age.

Lewandowski: ‘They always say I’m old’

Speaking to TVP Sport, Lewandowski hit out at claims that he is no longer capable of contributing at a high level for an elite side like Barcelona. “I feel that I still have a lot to give,” he said.

“When someone looks for an aspect of me that allows them to criticise 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, but there are people who know how to take advantage of it. I feel very good. Obviously, I don’t expect to play 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.”

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