The Polish striker is officially Barca’s new No.9.
Barcelona unveiled Robert Lewandowski in front of 59,000 of their fans on Friday.
A €50m transfer saw the veteran striker leave Bayern Munich after eight years earlier this summer. Lewandowski will wear Barca’s No.9 jersey, which was worn by Memphis Depay before his arrival.
“It has been a club decision that Robert wears No.9. We thought that this was the right decision,” Barcelona president Joan Laporta said. “With respect for Memphis Depay, who has understood perfectly.”
Lewandowski joined Barcelona amid their squad rebuild plans under Xavi Hernandez. The Catalans have reshaped their attacking line, adding the likes of Raphinha and Lewandowski to their ranks.
Speaking about his move to Barca, Lewandowski said: “I think my age is not important right now, it’s just a number. I feel better than when I was 29.
“I know that Barcelona was not going through an easy time. But when I spoke with Joan and heard about the project and the way they wanted to follow, I thought that the best thing was to make the jump to Barcelona.”
Asked about his desire to edge out Karim Benzema and become the league’s new top-scorer, the 34-year-old said: “I’m not thinking about Real Madrid or Benzema.
“He’s an extraordinary striker. But for me the most important thing is to win with Barcelona, not to beat him.”
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