Barcelona forward determined to fight for his place amidst exit talks – ‘Still have a lot to give’

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is showing no signs of slowing down, even as he approaches the end of his contract with the club. 

The Polish forward, now 37, has no plans to become a backup option and is determined to compete for his place in the starting XI until his final day as a Barça player.

Lewandowski’s deal with Barcelona expires at the end of the current campaign, and questions remain over what lies ahead for him. He will turn 38 in August 2026, but his mindset remains as ambitious as ever. 

In an interview with TVP Sport (h/t SPORT) after scoring in Poland’s match against Lithuania, he dismissed the idea that his age should define him.

“I feel that I still have a lot to give,” Lewandowski said, underlining his belief that he can still perform at the highest level.

Fighting against age and criticism

Lewandowski addressed ongoing criticism about his fitness and energy, which some attribute to his age. 

“When someone looks for something about me that allows them to explain something, they always say that I’m old, that I can’t run, that I don’t want to run, or that I don’t work hard,” he admitted. 

Lewandowski refuses to settle for a secondary role. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images)

“And that’s nonsense. You just have to look at the distance I’ve covered and how much I’ve run, so that’s not the case.”

The striker understands that managing his playing time could be important this season. 

“Of course, I’m aware that at my age, playing fewer minutes could benefit me over the course of the season,” he explained.

Still giving his all every day

Despite being the oldest players in the Barcelona squad, Lewandowski insists he remains at his physical best and continues to impress during training. 

“I don’t want to say that I’m a victim of my age, but there are people who know how to take advantage of it, but I feel very good,” he said. 

“Obviously, I don’t expect to play 90 minutes in every game, but once I’m on the field, I know I can do it. I’m still physically fit in training, and I’m still standing out. 

“It’s not like I disappear in training, so in that sense, I feel like I still have a lot to give,” he concluded.