Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has hit back at his critics and spoken at length about his decision to pull out of international duty.
Lewandowski is in the spotlight back in Poland for opting out of the team’s World Cup [qualifiers against Moldova and Finland](https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2025/5/26/24437338/barcelona-robert-lewandowski-explains-why-hes-not-joining-up-with-poland-squad).
The striker sent a message to fans at the time, explaining he needed a break after an intense season, and has now backed that up with a more detailed explanation.
> “I don’t have to explain why I made this decision. Was it the right one? At the time I decided it, it was. I think the lads will manage without me,” he told TVP Sport.
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> “This team doesn’t depend on me. I called coach Probierz because I wanted to talk to him honestly. I told him I wasn’t feeling well physically or mentally.
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> “I was in a slump at the time. I felt like going to the training camp wouldn’t help me reach the level he wanted.”
Lewandowski also said that mental fatigue was also a reason for his absence.
> “People don’t have all the information, they insinuate things and draw erroneous conclusions. Few people know what’s really happening to me,” he added.
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> “The fans would like to know everything, but it’s impossible. With all due respect to the media and journalists, none of you thought that, in addition to physical fatigue, there’s also mental fatigue.
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> “Who among you knows how I feel and what’s best for me? I have my own ideas, and at the time, I thought it would be worth letting it go for the sake of next season and the rest of the qualifying rounds.
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> “I’ve learned that if you don’t keep your distance, it’s difficult to maintain my top level. I’ve never cared about being liked by everyone. I don’t have daily contact with journalists. I’ve distanced myself from all of this.
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> “Carrying the expectations of a nation of 40 million people for so many years is no easy task. Sometimes I also need to rest.”
The striker’s decision will no doubt go down well with Barcelona who will be more than happy to see the veteran take a well-deserved break over the summer.