Robert Lewandowski admits he said “yes” to joining Manchester United 12 years ago to play alongside Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie
Robert Lewandowski, in a recent podcast with Rio Ferdinand, revealed that he was close to joining Manchester United in 2012.
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Robert Lewandowski revealed that he was close to joining Manchester United in 2012. (via GOAL)
Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski has surprisingly admitted that he had agreed to leave Borussia Dortmund to join Manchester United in 2012. The Black and Yellow had, however, rejected the offer, leading him to spend much of his career in the Bundesliga.
Lewandowski is one of the most feared strikers, having led the line for Dortmund and Bayern Munich n the past. He has scored over 600 senior career goals, putting him seventh on the list of all-time goal-scorers.
At Bayern, Lewandowski scored 344 goals in eight seasons, winning eight consecutive Bundesliga titles, as well as the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup. Despite having joined Barcelona at the age of 33, the Polish forward has remained an important player for the club and has contributed with 19 goals this season.
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand recently, Lewandowski recalled a moment in his career when he was close to joining Manchester United. He exclaimed that he had agreed to join United at the age of 24 after a conversation with former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Red Devils, in 2012, needed him to replace outgoing Dimitar Berbatov. However, Dortmund refused to sell him owing to his status at the club. They had just come off two brilliant seasons, winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles, and Lewandowski was their top scorer.
Yes, that’s right. I agreed to join Manchester United in 2012… They [Borussia Dortmund] however, said the club needed me. They won’t sell me because I am very important to them.
Robert Lewandowski said (H/T OneFootball)
“I said YES to Join” ?
— Rio Ferdinand Presents (@FIVEUK) November 21, 2024
Robert Lewandowski could’ve played with Rio Ferdinand at #MUFC
CC: @rioferdy5, @lewy_official
Presented by @Qatarairways #QatarAirways pic.twitter.com/JPz2WiN0aW
Manchester United later opted to sign Lewandowski’s Dortmund teammate Shinji Kagawa and Arsenal star Robin van Persie. Meanwhile, Lewandowski helped BVB reach the 2012-13 UCL final and then signed for rivals Bayern Munich in 2014.
Barcelona seeking future options to replace aging Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski most recently revealed that he might not be able to continue playing beyond the next two or three seasons, hinting at potential retirement. The 36-year-old has been firing strong this season, helping FC Barcelona side stay at the top of the La Liga table.
The Catalan giants will soon be in search of a center-forward to replace Lewandowski. The club, despite its financial struggles, has prepared a shortlist of players, with Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres remaining on top of the list.
The Swedish international has 39 goal contributions this season and remains a favorite. Apart from him, Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush and Lille’s Jonathan David are the other options.
Another formidable name on the list of targets could be Inter Milan forward Marcus Thuram. The Frenchman shares a deep connection with the club, through his father and former Barca full-back Lilian Thuram.
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Siddhartha Roy
(700 Articles Published)