We beat Chelsea and PSG to Lewandowski – Laporta
FT Desk
- 19 Jul 2022 19:30 BST
- 3 min read
Barcelona president Joan Laporta was delighted to see Robert Lewandowski join the Liga giants, while affirming that his club beat out some of Europe's top sides for his signature.
Lewandowski, 33, joined up with his new team-mates on Monday during their summer tour in Miami after sealing a transfer worth an initial €45 million to leave Bayern.
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The Poland striker had made no secret of his desire for a fresh start after eight years at the club and a total of 12 seasons in the Bundesliga, and his employers ultimately opted to let him go rather than risk losing the star on a free transfer when his contract was due to expire next summer.
But he will be sorely missed at the Allianz Arena, having signed off with one of his best campaigns yet - smashing an incredible 50 goals in 46 matches, the second season in which he has reached a half-century with the Bavarians.
What did Laporta say about new signing?
"We competed with teams like PSG and Chelsea to sign Robert and he wanted to come here," the Barca chief told Marca.
"Barca needs a striker who scores, incisive, like any great team. Robert is a machine gunner. He has been awarded the Golden Shoe several times.
"He guarantees goals and every great team needs a striker who guarantees goals. With him, with Ansu [Fati], with Auba, we have goals guaranteed."
Speaking to Barcelona's official website, Lewandowski also expressed his joy at having closed the deal.
“I have always wanted to play in a great La Liga club and this is a great opportunity for me. It is also a challenge for my private life," he stated.
“I am a player who always wants to win. We have great players, with a lot of quality, in the squad. I am excited about what we can all achieve together.”
